History almost repeats itself. One of my favorite releases at Watches and Wonders 2021 was the Patek Philippe ref. 5236P-001 In-Line Perpetual Calendar.
This year I particularly liked the Patek Philippe ref. 5236P-011 In-Line Perpetual Calendar version. The difference between them is just one digit and a different dial color. The complex yet easily readable perpetual calendar debuted in a bright blue color. This version, along with the salmon-colored dial model released in 2024, is now discontinued and replaced by a younger model with a smokey grey dial combining shades of charcoal and vintage silver.
Before moving on to the description of the latest version of one of the best perpetual calendars I know, I must mention what I dislike about the watch. I am not satisfied with the strap—not because of the composite material with a fabric pattern or the platinum folding clasp, but because of the contrasting stitching. I find it inappropriate. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I believe such a sporty element does not suit complex platinum watches costing €147,000 / US$156,039 / £125,950. It distracts from the main attraction—the magic of four discs, two axes, and three patents that make these watches magnificent. Fortunately, the strap is an easily replaceable element. Now that this is clear, let's move on to the watch itself.
Features of the Patek Philippe ref. 5236P-011 In-Line Perpetual Calendar
Patek Philippe is a recognized master of calendar watches. The inventor of the annual calendar also produces classic perpetual calendars, executed in various styles—from traditional to innovative, as in the case of the 5236P. Of the three versions of the watch with day, date, and month displayed in one window, the grey dial model ref. 5236P-011 looks the most modern.
The modern look is set by the silvery-grey dial with vertical satin finish and black gradient at the edge, complemented by charcoal faceted baton hour markers in white gold and matching hands. When Patek aims to give a watch a modern look, they use grey hands and indices—this is confirmed by the new Calatrava 5227G-015 and Calatrava 6196P models from last year.
The dial color and some details make the watch feel 'young', as does the neat layout of the calendar functions. The dial design is clean and easy to read. The main focus is on the window with day, date, and month, while other indicators are arranged around it. Two round windows on either side of the small seconds counter, which also houses the moon phase indicator, show the current year in the leap year cycle (at the '4 o'clock' position) and day or night (at the '8 o'clock' position). The railway minute scale in the same color as the seconds counter gives the watch an instrumental yet sophisticated character.
Complexity of the Mechanism and Additional Components
Although the watch is easy to read, its production demands high precision. The Patek Philippe caliber 31-260 PS QL is an evolution of the 31-260 REG QA movement, introduced over a decade ago. The vertical arrangement of the calendar indicators required significant changes. The seconds were moved to the '6 o'clock' position, and the four-disc calendar mounted on the main plate added 118 parts compared to a standard perpetual calendar.
For the stable operation of the mechanism, additional jewels, innovative lubrication solutions, and the introduction of ball bearings were necessary. All these 118 additional components ensure smooth operation. The result is unique to Patek Philippe and remains relevant since its debut in 2021. The finish of the mechanism is worth noting—it's executed at the highest level.
Case Design and Visual Features
The fully polished platinum case measuring 41.3 × 11.07 mm is not new, yet it still impresses with elegance. The well-balanced case with a sloping bezel is adorned with a small diamond, hidden between the angular, sloping lugs at the '6 o'clock' position. This element indicates a platinum case—a subtle sign of special status that doesn't shout about itself but is noticeable to connoisseurs. Anyone familiar with horology will immediately recognize the ref. 5236P-011 In-Line Perpetual Calendar as a special model.
This feeling persists when worn on the wrist. The magic of four discs, two axes, and three patents still works. Additionally, the changing shade of the grey dial intrigues: as the hand moves, the color shifts from brownish-silver to dark grey. The weight of the platinum case is also felt—a pleasant tactile impression. As mentioned, I would change the strap.
Comparison of Versions and Prospects
Despite the impressions of the new version of the three In-Line Perpetual Calendar models by Patek, the latest version has not become my favorite. For me, the debut ref. 5236P-001 with a bright blue dial remains the best. The salmon-colored dial version is my second preference, and the current one is third. Nevertheless, it's still a worthy place on the podium. Let's see what position the fourth version, expected in 2028, will take. If it comes out in yellow gold with a green dial, it might take first place.
Share your opinion about the Patek Philippe ref. 5236P-011 In-Line Perpetual Calendar with the new silvery dial.
Technical Specifications of the Watch
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | In-Line Perpetual Calendar |
| Dial | Grey-silver gradient with vertical satin finish, charcoal grey white gold faceted baton hour markers and hands, concentric engraved peripheral minute scale, in-line day, date, and month indicators, white small seconds counter with moon phase indicator, day/night and leap year indicators |
| Case Material | Platinum 950 with fully polished finish, diamond on the case flank at the '6 o'clock' position |
| Case Dimensions | 41.3 mm (diameter) × 11.07 mm (thickness) |
| Case Back | Platinum and sapphire glass, snap-on |
| Movement | Patek Philippe caliber 31-260 PS QL: in-house, automatic winding with platinum micro-rotor, frequency 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz), power reserve 38–48 hours, 503 parts, 55 jewels, diameter 34 mm, thickness 5.8 mm, Patek Philippe Seal |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters |
| Strap | Charcoal composite with fabric pattern, cream contrasting stitching, patented platinum folding clasp |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, perpetual calendar (day, date, month, leap year indicator), moon phases, day/night indicator |
| Price | €147,000 / US$156,039 / £125,950 |