Patek Philippe 5236P-001 In-Depth Reference Guide

GWIS · 2024-08-11T14:42:46Z

Explore the Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P-001 Perpetual Calendar. A collector's review of its design, movement, and blue dial nuances. Discover why this platinum timepiece is a grail.

GWIS

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

28 replies6623 views5 photos

GWIS's recent acquisition of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P-001 Perpetual Calendar marks a significant moment for any collector. His detailed review offers a rare, firsthand perspective on what makes this platinum timepiece a 'grail-level' watch, balancing horological complexity with understated elegance. This article distills community insights, providing a comprehensive look at the 5236P's appeal and nuances for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to Patek Philippe's perpetual calendars.

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I recently picked up this 2023 mint example of the 5236P. For me, this is a grail level watch. In line with Patek marketing(!), it’s a watch I want to wear and enjoy and pass on to my daughter in due course.

In searching for a grail watch, I wanted something a bit complicated and horologically interesting, without being so complicated that it would be too expensive for my daughter to maintain. I also wanted something under the radar, which wouldn’t present an undue security risk for my daughter (or me for that matter!). This 5236 ticks all of my boxes.

If I were to sum up this watch in one word it would be “classy”. But “elegant”, “sophisticated” and “timeless” would also work. The only slight problem is that I am none of these things!

The blue/black dial is understated to the point of being almost boring, until you roll your wrist and the watch catches the light. Then the iridescent blue shows itself. It’s a delight.

For those who may be considering this watch, some pros and cons:

Pros:

- it’s a sophisticated, elegant and understated design that doesn’t call attention to itself;

- the platinum case gives it a nice weight, without being too heavy. It’s roughly 135 grams. The platinum deployant helps balance the watch nicely;

- the 41.3mm case is perfect for me and my 19cm wrist. Not too big and not too small. To make it any smaller would have affected the size of the date aperture and made it harder to read;

- I love the hands. The facets on them make them easy to catch the light and read, and the way the minute hand reaches the minute track is particularly pleasing for some reason. Some people have asked for a different shape for the hands but that would cause the date aperture to be blocked from view for longer;

- the dial, especially when the iridescent blue is revealed. The different blue tones for the minute track and the area surrounding the moon phase also help bring the dial to life and stop it being too monotonous.

Cons:

- this blue dial version may be too understated for some. The new salmon dial version has more immediate wrist presence;

- I wish it were easier to unlock the iridescent blue. It has to catch the light “just so” to come alive (although it’s fun to play with the angle of the watch to make the blue shine);

- I can just about read the date aperture without my glasses but it would have been good to make it a bit bigger, even if that meant increasing the case size to 42mm, like some of the other Pateks.

All in all I am very happy with my choice so far.

All the best,

Jon

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5236

The Complications reference 5236P-001, introduced in 2021, is notable for its in-line perpetual calendar display. This configuration presents all calendar indications – day, date, month, and leap year – in a single, elongated aperture below 12 o'clock. This design choice offers a distinct aesthetic and legibility compared to traditional perpetual calendars with multiple subdials or apertures. The reference was a significant addition to Patek Philippe's Complications collection, showcasing a novel approach to a classic grand complication. Its platinum case and blue dial further underscore its position within the brand's high-end offerings.

The watch is housed in a platinum case measuring 41.3mm in diameter, with a thickness of 11.07mm. It is powered by the self-winding caliber 31-260 PS QL, a movement specifically developed for this in-line perpetual calendar display. This movement incorporates several technical advancements to achieve its unique calendar presentation and offers a power reserve of 38 to 48 hours. The watch features a sapphire crystal on both the front and the case back, allowing for a view of the meticulously finished movement.

As a relatively recent introduction that was subsequently discontinued, the 5236P-001 holds particular interest for collectors who appreciate innovative calendar displays and limited production periods. Its technical sophistication and unique aesthetic appeal to those seeking a distinct perpetual calendar from Patek Philippe. The discontinuation of a model introduced in 2021, while not uncommon for certain high-end references, adds to its potential collectibility, distinguishing it from longer-running production pieces.

Specifications

Caliber: Caliber 31-260 PS QL

Case: Platinum

Diameter: 41.3mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The blue dial of the 5236P is often preferred over the salmon dial for its depth and dynamic iridescent qualities, which appear 'dead' by comparison on the salmon version.
The movement's architecture is a significant part of the 5236P's appeal, despite the absence of sharp interior angles, which some collectors look for in high-horology calibers.
The 5236P's blue brushed dial is crafted by hand using traditional methods in Patek Philippe’s dial manufacturing workshop, contributing to its sublime appearance.
The 5172's nubuck strap is suggested as an excellent alternative to the original strap, as its texture and color complement the 5236P's blue dial very well.
While the date aperture's legibility is a minor concern for some, a thinner case for better wrist balance, potentially in stainless steel, is a design challenge Patek Philippe could address.
The author intends to pass the 5236P on to his daughter when she is old enough to appreciate and care for it, highlighting the watch's generational appeal.

The Discussion

Cpt Scarlet

Aug 11, 2024

The blue brushed dial is sublime. The brushing is done by hand using a traditional method in PP’s dial manufacturing workshop. Quite something to see.

quattro

Aug 11, 2024

You didn't mention the very beautiful architecture of the movement which, to me, is an important part of its appeal. The only thing missing in such a caliber is one or two sharp interior angles. Enjoy your grail in good health and with your daughter!

ZSHSZ

Aug 11, 2024

Now this is something special. Great description and fantastic photos to top it all… Enjoy the honeymoon! Best, Zsolt.

p.boxster

Aug 11, 2024

to this grail! I enjoy it very much too and really prefer the blue dial. The salmon is kind of „dead“ in comparison. The nubuck strap from the 5172 is a good alternative to the original strap as it matches the dial very well:

GWIS

Aug 11, 2024

Many thanks for the information about the dial.

GWIS

Aug 11, 2024

You are quite right, the architecture of the movement is great. I wasn’t happy with the pictures I took of the movement and so I didn’t include them in the end.

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Patek Philippe 5236P-001 In-Depth Reference Guide

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5236

Specifications

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5236P

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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