Believed to be the first perpetual calendar release by Patek Philippe in a tonneau case, the reference 5040 was produced between 1992 and 2007. It wears a deep black dial not often seen on Patek Philippe watches, and is further distinguished from the other variants of the reference through its circular minute track and Arabic numerals, overall bearing an attractive monochromatic, sleek, and symmetrical appearance.

The Patek Philippe reference 5040 was produced in the period of 1992 - 2007, a relatively long run that situates this piece squarely in the neo-vintage period. An often under-appreciated piece because of its tonneau-shaped case, the watch bears several eye-catching features that speak to the period it comes from, that mark it out from other variants. It is believed that this was the first perpetual calendar released by Patek Philippe to feature a tonneau case.
 
To start with, the case does not just bear a slightly unconventional tonneau shape, but is a monobloc constructed from a single piece of white gold. When viewed from any angle, there are no sharp edges or points. This is fairly unusual for Patek Philippe, and as a whole, the case bears a close resemblance to a pebble, following very natural curves. The case is polished to a mirror shine, further drawing attention to its shape. At 35 x 42mm, it is a decidedly modern size suitable for many collectors.
 
The deep black dial is another unusual feature and is more rarely seen on complicated Patek Philippe watches. This example possesses applied Arabic numerals, with a minute track encircling the dial information. The circular minute track gives the dial a certain symmetry and highlights the curve of the case. Overall, the watch features a typical perpetual calendar layout, with the days of the week and a 24-hour counter at 9 o'clock, a month and leap year counter at 3 o'clock, and a moonphase at 6 o'clock, surrounded by the date. In keeping with the monochromatic colour scheme, the clouds on the moonphase are in black, while the moon and stars are in a more translucent white.
 
Additionally, in this example, the index markers and hands are manufactured from white gold, as indicated by the lower-case Greek letter ‘sigma’ at the bottom of the dial. The 'sigma’ signature was a visual declaration of the use of precious materials, and was adopted by a number of manufacturers throughout the 1970s, emphasising the inherent value of a high-quality, mechanical watch.
 
This reference 5040 makes use of the calibre 240Q, the famed ultra-thin, automatic perpetual calendar movement. It can be seen through the sapphire caseback, highlighting the off-center 22k gold micro-rotor and the excellent hand finishing. The movement itself has been in use since 1970, and has been incorporated into in a number of Patek Philippe’s modern perpetual calendar lines.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5040G-016 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show very light superficial marks, consistent with relative wear over time. The dial, hands, and movement show no signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. The hallmarks on the caseback and buckle are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.