Introduced at Basel in 2004, this Patek Ref 5135 Gondolo Calendario may read like “yesterday’s news”. However, it set a recent trend in tonneau-shaped cases that have become popular once again. This soon-to-be-classic may remind you of a television screen from the 1980s. The trapezoidal day, date, and month windows, dauphine hands, and tapered, comet-like indexes are reminiscent of classic “Star Trek” uniforms and phasers. Yet, you can argue there is an aura of timeless style, and classic lines that will defy trendy shapes forever. The circular inner dial with minute markings is beveled on a lower plane with guilloche pattern. The 3 and 9 are applied in “Breguet Style” numerals - simply fantastic. The “pillow profiled” bezel sits atop the case, right up to the lugs and strap. It helps frame an elegant dial with moon phase.
As an “annual calendar”, this technical wonder needs just a simple manual adjustment once a year on “March 1st”. Powered by the refined Patek Calibre 324 automatic movement - we see many noteworthy component enhancements such as a constant-force transmission that ensures a consistent balance-rate and amplitude. An asymmetric date train and reinforced winding wheel are other curious innovations that add to the 324s refinement.
The exhibition back presents all the hand-finishings required of the “Geneva Seal” - bridge striping, burnishing, component finishing, beveling, and polishing. The gold rotor is engraved with the Calatrava Cross.
The classic, bossom moon phase display with animated stars is encircled with the 24-hour dial. It is also recessed into the dial, and extends just so subtly lower, across the arc of the minute dial toward 6 O’clock. Available in 4 metals, yellow, rose, and white gold, and platinum - dial colors are tasteful, radiant, and subtle. The Patek 5135 Gondolo Calendario packs very useful features with flawless execution.
