Patek Philippe In-line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5236P-010

Quick specs Patek Philippe In-line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5236P-010
Price: $ 141,400 | approx. € 126.000 | approx. £ 107,000 | CHF 120’000
Size: 41.3 mm
Reference: 5236P-010

The Patek Philippe In-line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5236P-010 breathes history, with its classic case, classic dial color and above all, its Quantième Lunaire. But the main attraction is the in-line perpetual calendar. Which means that the day, date, and month have a linear arrangement. Easier to read of course, but a technical challenge.

First, let’s look at the outside. The dial is opaline rose-gilt, also known as salmon, which has a soft and warm appearance. Especially when combined with a light colored case like platinum. Although the satin finish blue dial of the first Ref. 5236P, launched in 2021, also matches very well with platinum. Giving it a more royal style.

Calendar information at a glance

On top of the dial is the in-line perpetual calendar. It does not interfere with the brand’s name above it, and it’s big enough to read the calendar information at a glance. The leap year indication can be found at the 4 o’clock position, indicated by a 1, 2, 3, or 4, where the latter is depicted in red. At the 8 o’clock position is a day/night indicator.

The sub dial with moon phase also shows the small seconds with a surrounding grey seconds track. The moons and stars have a white color on a blue background. All hands are white gold with a charcoal grey finish, just like the applied white gold hour markers. The platinum of the 41.3-millimeter case is hand-polished.

The challenge of creating an in-line perpetual calendar

All the information on the dial comes from the automatic Patek Philippe caliber 31-260 PS QL. The movement was introduced in 2021 as the world’s first in-line perpetual calendar for a wristwatch. The code PS stands for Petite Seconde, French for small seconds and QL is the French indication for moon phase, Quantième Lunaire.

The challenge with a mechanical in-line calendar can be seen on the front side of the movement. There are two pairs of large discs, each with another disc inside, and each of those four discs has its own turning tempo. However, the result, the full date, is presented on a single row. So, the tech below those discs is very delicate, and Patek managed it to keep the movement only 5.8 millimeters thick. Even though the other connected complications – leap year indication, moon phase, and day/night indication – claim their own space too.

The Patek Philippe In-line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5236P-010 has a power reserve of at least 38 hours

The platinum off-center mini-rotor saves space and helps to provide a power reserve of 38 to 48 hours. For the case back you can choose from a solid one or a sapphire crystal one, as they are interchangeable. Given the special movement, go for the sapphire of course. Although the nicest part is on the front of the caliber.

The Patek Philippe In-line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5236P-010 comes on a shiny chocolate brown alligator leather strap. This has square scales, and it is hand stitched. The fold-over clasp is executed in platinum. The price of this model is the same as the price for the Ref. 5236P-001, the same watch with a blue dial.