Basel 2008: Patek Philippe Ref. 5396G Annual Calendar Watch

The Patek Philippe 5396G Annual Calendar watch gives collectors a white gold version of 2006's highly acclaimed window-style annual calendar timepiece, the Ref. 5396R.  Measuring 38mm in diameter, the case features slender lugs, a small crown, and a gently curved sapphire crystal.  The silvery grey dial has a distinctive design that features blue transferred printing; its double in-line calendar displays recall the design of famous and iconic Patek Philippe references from the 1940's and 1950's.  The watch is completed by a crocodile strap and a folding clasp in 18K white gold.  Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.  

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5396G watch presents the day, date, month and moon phases, in addition to a 24-hour AM/PM display.  The annual calendar mechanism requires only one manual date correction, in February--the rest of the year, the mechanism will self-adjust in accord with the length of the months.  These functions are governed by the 324 S QA LU 24 H Caliber, a self-winding movement manufactured by Patek Philippe. Composed of 356 hand-finished parts and 34 jewels, this mechanism has a 45-hour power reserve.  The freely-sprung Gyromax balance wheel is outfitted with 8 masselotte weights, and alternates 28,800 times per hour.  The richly decorated caliber, which features a 21K gold central rotor, has earned the Geneva Seal due to its compliance with the strict demands of the Canton of Geneva for movements of the highest quality.