The Patek Philippe 5496P-001 introduces a distinctive approach to perpetual calendar display through its retrograde date complication, positioned along a curved scale across the upper half of the dial. The case is crafted in platinum and measures approximately 39.5 mm, offering a solid wrist presence while maintaining refined proportions. The dial configuration includes dual apertures for day and month, a leap year indicator, and a moon phase display integrated within a subsidiary register. The retrograde hand advances incrementally throughout the month before returning instantaneously to its starting position, demonstrating a highly coordinated mechanical reset.

This reference is powered by the Caliber 324 S QR, a self-winding movement operating at a higher frequency for enhanced stability and timekeeping consistency. The movement incorporates advanced materials such as a silicon balance spring, improving resistance to environmental variations and maintaining precision over extended use. The case construction includes a discreet diamond set into the side of the lugs, marking its platinum composition. Through its combination of dynamic display mechanics, robust movement architecture, and precise calendar synchronization, the 5496P offers a technically progressive interpretation of a classic complication.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5496P-001

Model: Perpetual Calendar with Retrograde Date
Reference: 5496P-001
Collection: Grand Complications
Introduced: 2011
Case Material: Platinum
Case Diameter: 39.5 mm
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Case Back: Sapphire-crystal display back; additional solid case back supplied with documented examples
Water Resistance: 30 m

Dial: Silvered dial with applied baton-style hour markers and central sweep seconds. Day and month are displayed through apertures, while the retrograde date is indicated by a hand sweeping across the curved sector of the dial. Leap-year indication and moon phases complete the calendar display. A baguette-cut diamond is set between the lugs at 6 o’clock on documented platinum examples.

Movement: Patek Philippe Calibre 324 S QR
Movement Type: Self-winding mechanical
Movement Diameter: 28 mm
Components: 361
Jewels: 30
Power Reserve: 45 hours
Frequency: 28,800 semi-oscillations/hour (4 Hz)
Balance: Gyromax®
Calendar System: Perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand

Functions: Hours, minutes, sweep seconds, retrograde date, day, month, leap-year indication and moon phases. The retrograde date hand automatically returns to the first day of the month after the 28th, 29th, 30th or 31st day, according to the month and leap-year cycle.

Strap: Alligator leather with square scales
Clasp: Platinum Patek Philippe fold-over clasp

Reference Variations: The 5496P-001 is the original platinum configuration with the silvered dial, introduced in 2011. Later 5496P configurations introduced different dial treatments, including the pink-dial 5496P-014. The -001 should therefore be treated as its own documented configuration rather than merged with later variants.