To fully appreciate the ref. 5140 Perpetual Calendar, one must first mention its predecessor, the ground-breaking 3940.

In 1985, Patek Philippe defined a new era of grand comps by creating the Ref. 3940, the first highly complicated watch in regular production. This ultra-thin perpetual calendar, with its perfectly balanced dial, became one of the brands most recognisable timepieces.

In 2006, with the introduction of the ref. 5140 Patek were able to refine many aspects of the original design. The round case was subtly increased to 37.2mm from 36mm, this increase in diameter enabled Patek to enlarge the calendar sub-dial at 6 to better highlight the date indication, the concave bezel of the 3940 was replaced with a convex one to accent the perfect geometry of the case.

However its status as one of the most respected perpetual calendars in the world is undoubtedly due to the self-winding caliber 240 Q movement. Composed of 275 parts it stands apart for its ultra-thin 3.88-mm profile, made possible due to its off-center mini-rotor in 22K gold and the ingenious arrangement of the perpetual calendar and moon-phase mechanisms. With a mechanical memory spanning four years, the perpetual calendar automatically displays the correct date, taking into account months with 31 and 30 days, as well as February 29 leap years. It does not have to be corrected until 2100. All calendar indications can easily be corrected via four push pieces recessed in the side of the case with the Patek stylus included with the box and certificate.

Our perfect example was UK retailed by Wempe (New Bond St) in Aug 2006, the same year the model was launched, and is fitted to a brand new black Patek alligator strap with solid white gold folding clasp. Presented complete with its Patek winding box, instruction booklets, plastic sealed solid white gold case back, stylus corrector and UK stamped Patek Certificate of Origin. Guaranteed for two years.