Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A

This is it, the list of new watches at Patek Philippe has been revealed for the 2019 Collection. While we’ve already seen the introduction of a new regulator in rose gold, there are several interesting watches, including this brand new Calatrava – design-wise, material-wise and complication-wise. Meet the Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A, a surprising, retro-styled and quite attractive new model (to say the least).

While the most interesting feature to be discussed on this watch will certainly be its unprecedented display and novel complication (at least for Patek), the main topic of discussion will be about the design (a bit) and the material (a bit more). This new reference 5212A is indeed clearly vintage-inspired but also introduces steel in the classic, elegant Calatrava collection – and we know that besides the Nautilus and the Aquanaut, Patek isn’t so prone to crafting watches in stainless steel.

The 40mm steel case of this Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A isn’t even classically shaped for the collection. It takes a bit of recent creations by the brand, such as the 5320G or the chronograph 5975 done for the 175th anniversary. It indeed features the same smooth, polished bezel and same stepped lugs as found on the latter – all in all, a nicely executed case with elegant shape. Reinforcing the vintage look is a light brown, naturally-colored calfskin strap on a steel prong buckle.

The link with the 5975 doesn’t end here, as the concentric position of the complication (more on them in a few) as well as the silvered-colored dial also reminds this rare and limited watch. The dial features classic facetted applied markers for the hours and dauphine hands – both typical of the Calatrava collection but here blackened for a better contrast.

Now, looking at the dial of the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A, there’s clearly some news to be found. This watch, besides its indication of the hours, minutes, seconds and date at 3 o’clock also features 2 extra central hands, with the dedicated tracks on dial. The first one is an unsurprising indication of the day of the week, found in the center of the dial and pointed by a short hands. The dial is also notable for its exclusive letters and numerals which reproduce handwritten characters.

The second indication that is found on this Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A – and in fact the real novelty – is the indication of both the week number and the month. Certainly nothing complex in terms of mechanics (simple calendar), it remains rather interesting in terms of display, balance of the dial and practicality on a daily business use.

Powering the Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A is the Calibre 26-330 S C J SE (sorry for the name), which is a completely new self-winding movement with optimized performance. It is an automatic calibre with central 22k rotor, 4Hz frequency and Gyromax balance and Spiromax balance spring. It is certified by the Patek Philippe Seal.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A will be priced at EUR 30,100. www.patek.com.