Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5140R-001

Perpetual Calendar 5140R-001 c. 2014

An excellent example of the 5140, recently serviced by Patek Philippe in April 2026. The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 5140 is the successor to the legendary 3940, which was one of the first modern perpetual calendars which were being created towards the end of the Quartz Crisis in the 1980s. It modernises the basic 3-subdial 3940 layout by updating the proportions and combining it with a more contemporary scheme of design, utilising a variety of dial colours. The fonts used are enlarged and updated to make the dial design more contemporary, while maintaining the elegance and timelessness of the original design. The perpetual calendar is one of the watchmaking's oldest complications, being invented in 1762 by Thomas Mudge, an English watchmaker. At its core, the complication is essentially a 4-year calendar, with different wheels taking into account the length of days in each month. The first perpetual calendar wristwatch was created by Patek Philippe in 1925, based on a calibre created about a three-quarters of a century earlier for a woman's pendant watch. Breguet created the first purpose built perpetual calendar wristwatch movement four years later. Handling marks, minor dings or very light scratches that cannot be felt with a fingernail. Sharp bevels and edges. Bracelet may have some very light stretch. No wear to precious metal hallmarks or engravings. Vintage watches may have light patina and light overall wear.