Introducing Patek Philippe's Reference 4946R-001

Since its inception in 1991, the Watches and Wonders exhibition stands as a prestigious showcase of expert watchmaking and artistry. Gathering the world’s finest watchmakers and revealing exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in new launches.

Patek Philippe  , an iconic horological name in Swiss watchmaking, has unveiled timepieces at such exhibitions for decades, continuing a legacy of elegance and technical mastery. Each year, their announcements captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, reaffirming their status as icons of enduring sophistication.

The latest addition to the Annual Calendar and Moonphase complications, Patek Philippe’s Ref. 4946R-001 showcases the Annual Calendar, Moon Phase dials and harnesses the iconic self-winding movement with elegance and technicality. 

Introduced in the Spring of 1996, the first Annual Calendar was launched in the Complications collection, and was crowned ‘Watch of the Year.’

The original Annual Calendar, Reference 5035J fashions a classic layout with gold casing and a leather strap. The stylish aesthetic was a mirror of its time, but also holds a strong reputation today as a timeless classic Patek Philippe.

Patek Philippe’s Ref. 4946R-001 requires only one correction per year to stay in tune with the yearly calendar, and can easily be done so by the four push pieces on the side of the case.

Patek Philippe developed the first Moonphase watch in 1925, known as the Perpetual Calendar 97975. The iconic display of a crescent shape depicting a sun rising and setting was controlled by a 59-tooth driving wheel, helping it to display the date, day, month, and moon phase, including leap years and irregular month lengths.

Today, Patek Philippe’s Ref. 4946R-001 combines the original design of the moonphase mechanism whilst elegantly innovating to curate timepieces suitable for everyday wear. Varying in sizes, styles and aesthetics, and harmonising this with the Annual Calendar in 1998 (Reference 5036/1J), Patek Philippe has once again formulated a complication of style and sophistication. 

Featuring self-winding mechanical movement, powered by the Calibre 26-330 S QA LU, the Annual Calendar Moon Phases Complication Ref. 4946R-001 honours the brilliance of historical Patek Philippe.

Exemplifying the maison’s dedication to technical excellence and horological tradition, the movements' precise mechanics integrate the annual calendar watch mechanism. A central rotor made of 21k gold is responsible for winding the mainspring set in motion by wrist movements.

The Ref. 4946R-001 features a Gyromax and Spiromax balance spring, both developed in house to ensure accuracy and resistance to temperature and shock. These elegant but durable components offer sophisticated comfort in your timepiece.

With a subtle and elegant display, the Patek Philippe Ref. 4946R-001 exudes timeless style. The warm glow of rose gold complements the chestnut dial, which is enhanced by a double vertical and horizontal satin-brushed finish, reminiscent of shantung silk fabrics. 

The chestnut colour pairs perfectly with most outfits, and, complemented with rose gold applied numerals and rose gold hands, the Ref. 4946R-001 will suit any occasion, whether you are looking to stay subtle, or make a statement. 

The time is marked off by rose gold cabochons filled with luminescent coating and applied Arabic numerals, swept over by leaf-shaped rose gold hands. The face of he Reference 4946R-001 hosts an elegant Shantung Silk finish. Inspired by the 'gold standard' of silk fabrics, and, commonly used for evening gowns and men's tailored trousers.

With a 38mm diameter, Patek Philippe's Ref. 4946R-001 suits all wearers. The graceful tomes of the dial mirror that of the chestnut strap, blending subtlety and opulence. Matched with a beautifully crafted denim-pattern calfskin, contrasting cream stitching with a rose gold prong buckle, the design is a graceful choice for both men and women.

This iconic Patek Philippe timepiece complements the wearer with quiet sophistication. The Ref. 4946R-001's gently rounded contours, finely sculpted lugs and harmonious dial layout feels both timeless and contemporary.