Patek Philippe is renowned for crafting some of the most exquisite timepieces in the world, and its name is virtually synonymous with the perpetual calendar complication. For decades, the layout of Patek’s perpetual calendars has remained largely unchanged, becoming the benchmark for the classic quantième perpétuel—a design echoed by many other watchmakers. That changed a few years ago with the introduction of the 5316/50P, a minute-repeating, tourbillon-equipped, retrograde perpetual calendar. This year, Patek revisits that aesthetic in a more understated package: the 6159G.
The perpetual calendar is one of the most coveted and complex grande complications in horology. It uses a sophisticated system of gears and levers to display the day, date, month, and sometimes the year—an extraordinary feat for a mechanical watch. Patek Philippe has long featured this complication in its collections, and the 6159G continues that tradition with elegance and innovation.
This model showcases a distinctive in-line calendar display using two rotating disks and a retrograde date function, offering excellent legibility, low energy consumption, and high reliability. The day, date, and month are displayed clearly, with a small square aperture at 12 o’clock indicating the leap year cycle. A moon phase display is integrated into the subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. Adjustments are made via three recessed correctors—one just below the crown and the others discreetly hidden between the lugs.
Crafted entirely from 18ct white gold, the 6159G features a classic Calatrava case design. Measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 11.49mm thick, it includes a hobnail (clous de Paris) bezel—a hallmark of many Calatrava models. While this detail adds character, some may wonder whether a cleaner bezel might have enhanced the overall aesthetic.
The smoked charcoal grey dial, accented with white gold, provides a striking contrast to the case. Time is indicated by applied white gold baton hour markers and alpha hands. A railway track minute scale complements the retrograde date arc, while the day and month are displayed through letterbox apertures at 3 and 9 o’clock, with the leap year indicator positioned just above the Patek Philippe logo.
Through the exhibition case back, the calibre 25-330 S QR self-winding movement is on full display. This is the same movement used in last year’s Rare Handcrafts release. Comprising 368 components, it offers a 45-hour power reserve and features a 22-carat yellow gold rotor adorned with circular Geneva striping—alongside other finely decorated elements visible through the sapphire case back.
The Patek Philippe In-line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 6159G-001 is priced at £100,920. For more details, visit patek.com.
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