Undoubtedly, the annual calendar is one of the most practical watch complications. It displays the date in 30-day and 31-day months, requiring adjustment only once a year at the end of February. This function was invented and patented by Patek Philippe in 1996. This ingenious innovation blends ease of use, everyday practicality, and exquisite watchmaking craftsmanship. Over the past 30 years, the annual calendar has evolved into many different forms. Let's review its development.
Since 1998, this practical complication has been enhanced with a moon phase display, adding a touch of elegant poetry. But the real major innovation came with the Ref. 5205G-001 watch launched in 2010, which introduced three domed windows at the top of the dial to display the day of the week, date, and month, presenting calendar information in a more intuitive and elegant way.
In the same year, 2010, Patek Philippe launched the Ref. 5726A-001, a stainless steel watch with an annual calendar, in its flagship Nautilus collection. The Nautilus Annual Calendar watch features a moon phase display and a 24-hour sub-dial. The day and month displays are located below the brand logo at 12 o'clock, while the date is displayed in a third window at 6 o'clock.