Patek Philippe Ref 5496P-001 full set, superb condition, 2012

Patek Philippe 5496P-001 Grand Complication Perpetual Calendar Retrograde with Moon Phase, Platinum, Silver Dial, Brown Crocodile Strap, Automatic, Skeleton Back with Interchangeable full back and sapphire-crystal case back, 39.5mm. Rare Discontinued Model featuring the first version of the dial in silver, which gives the watch a pure discreet Calatrava aesthetic.

The Patek Philippe model 5496P draws its lineage to the ref. 5050 perpetual calendar and ref. 5016 tourbillon perpetual calendar automatic. Like the 5050, the 5496 has sweep seconds. Given the 5016 – 5050 – 5496 nexus, this model immediately takes its rightful place in rarified air of elite complicated Patek wristwatches.The reference 5496 is interesting aesthetically, as its dial follows the same conventions as the 5016 and 5050. Namely, the dials of this trio all feature both classical elements, like the moon phase display and apertures for the calendar displays, and also playful elements like the retrograde date and the distribution of the day, month and leap year apertures.

Significantly, these watches also have a center sweep seconds hand, which is a rarity for Patek perpetual calendars. Patek freshened the design for the 5496 by using exquisite dauphine hands, a larger and cleaner dial with applied indices, and red-tipped retrograde date hand.

Case is platinum, with dimensions of 39.5mm diameter by 11.7mm thick. Bezel is quite broad as is the case back bezel. Front crystal is domed sapphire while the display back has a flat sapphire crystal. The platinum is mirror polished on all surfaces and the lugs taper inwardly. The case is impressive and minimalist at the same time.

The caliber is the Patek Philippe Caliber 324 S QR with 30 jewels, 9 bridges, 45 hour power reserve, beating at 28,800 beats per hour and comprised of 361 individual parts.

This watch was manufactured in 2012 and comes with full set of original certificate, literature, inner and outer box, solid back, setting stylus and hang tag. Condition is excellent.