Where the Patek Philippe ref. 5396 annual calendar reads classically, the ref. 4946 has always aimed at something more contemporary. The new Patek Philippe ref. 4946G-001 arrives for 2026 in white gold with a blue-gray dial given a double vertical and horizontal satin finish described as a ‘shantung’ texture—an evocation of the raw silk fabric by the same name. The result is a dial that reads as tactile even in photographs, with a depth and grain that stands apart from the more conventional sunburst or sector dials found across the Complications lineup. Day and month are indicated by hands rather than apertures, giving the dial a more dynamic, layered appearance.

Things to Know About the Watch

The 38 mm white gold case is 11 mm thick with a sapphire crystal case back, water-resistant to 30 meters. The blue-gray dial uses sandblasted white gold leaf-shaped hands and applied hour numerals in white luminescent material. Day of the week and month are shown in subdials; date and moon phases appear in apertures at 6 o'clock. The calfskin strap mirrors the dial with a blue-gray denim pattern and contrasting white stitching, fastened with a white gold prong buckle.

The Movement

Powering this watch is the calibre 26-330 S QA LU, an automatic movement with a 21K gold central rotor. Composed of 319 parts and 34 jewels, it delivers a power reserve of 35 to 45 hours. Like all of Patek's annual calendar movements, it requires only one correction per year—at the end of February.

On the Wrist & Price

The Patek Philippe 4946G-001 is an annual calendar for a collector who wants the complication but finds the traditional presentation too conservative. The ‘shantung’ textured dial gives it a personality that earns repeat attention, and the strap coordination is handled with enough restraint to stay on the right side of the concept. The dial appears like a piece of linen fabric to the naked eye more than a piece of raw silk.

Sticker Price USD 61,141. For more info on Patek Philippe, click here.