The “regulator dial”, one of the most contradictory complications of the brand, comes to life again in 5235R with a pink gold case.
The introduction of the French origin word regulator into the world of wristwatches dates back to a very recent past. The history of this complication, which began to decorate the wrists at the end of the 80s, is quite old though. Regulator watches in workshops producing time machines were used as reference time sources for the adjustment of every micro-mechanical miracle produced. These watches, which are positioned at a spot where every watchmaker can see easily, featured a minute hand at the center and an off-centered hour hand. The aim of this was to obtain a clear view from a distance by not placing the two hands on the same center, thus enabling the time to be read precisely.
The entry of the first Patek Philippe with a regulator dial into the catalogs took place in 2012 with the 5235G model. The fact that a brand with a “conservative” management approach like Patek Philippe appeared with such an innovative model made a sound.
Patek Philippe is a brand that blends traditional designs with high technology and does this without sacrificing the classic lines of its watches. Modern Patek Philippe models can achieve extraordinary technical features with the technologies produced by its engineers in the brand's Advanced Research laboratory. It is possible to come across many developments produced in this center in the 5235R model such as Pulsomax escapement, Spiromax balance spring, Gyromax balance...
For the 5235R, we can say it is a reflection of the modern face of the brand. The 18K pink gold case, which measures 40.5mm x 10mm, is equipped with sapphire crystals on both sides and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The dial comes with an anthracite finish and features minutes in the center, hours on the upper side, month and day indicator on both sides, seconds counter on the lower side, and a date display just below the seconds. You have to get used to the dial layout of 5235R to read the time at a glance. After getting used to it, you start enjoying the complication.
Patek Philippe 5235 / 50R Annual Calendar Regulator is powered by the manufacture self-winding Caliber 31-260 REGQA. The movement, measuring 33mm x 5.08mm, consists of 313 pieces, has 31jewels, and beats at a unique frequency of 23040vph. The movement equipped with a micro-rotor offers a power reserve ranging from 38 to 48 hours. The calendar function of the watch, which has Annual Calendar complication as well as a regulator feature, needs to be adjusted once a year, only in February.
Patek Philippe 5235R is not a limited-edition model, but we do not think that the quantities released during its production will be large. Besides, it seems unlikely that the watch will be produced for many years. Naturally, we may have witnessed the birth of a model that will likely to be an indispensable lot for auctions.
The model comes on a brown alligator strap that is secured by a standard 18K pink gold buckle and is available through Patek Philippe boutiques.
