Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A Watch Review
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A, presented in a 38 mm stainless steel case, features a ‘shantung finish’ dial and includes a moon phase indication. The movement, the Caliber 324S QA LU, is beautifully appointed, upholding the extraordinary standards of the venerable Maison.
Nautilus fever
Over the last few years, the Patek Philippe Nautilus has been one of the biggest stories within the world of Haute Horlogerie. As speculators jostle with one another, happy to pay ‘overs’ for a Nautilus, hoping it will accrue in value, there seems to be a disturbing lack of appreciation for the model’s intrinsic virtues.
A Patek Philippe should not be treated as an investment vehicle as such conduct can only be described as crass. On the contrary, a would-be owner should view these examples of peerless horology as a fusion of art, mechanical mastery and sublime craftsmanship.
When I view any watch, I consider its design, the execution of the dial and case and, of course, the specification of the movement, including its finishing. In the case of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, designed by the illustrious Gérald Genta and subsequently released in 1976, it remains a timeless classic with an array of attributes likely to appeal to purists. In my opinion, a Patek should be cherished for what it is rather than what it can make.
However, while most eyes focus on the Nautilus, the Genevan Manufacture offers other delights for the delectation of the discerning watch buyer. The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A was unveiled earlier this year (2021) and with its eponymous complication, it appeals to me even more than the über-desirable Nautilus.
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A – dial
The blue dial combines both vertical and horizontal lines. Patek uses the term ‘shantung’ to describe the dial pattern. A quick search on the net reveals it is a type of ‘silk plain weave fabric historically from the province of Shanedong’. Personally speaking, I find the appearance of the dial resembles a tastefully understated Scottish tartan.
White gold leaf-shaped hour and minute hands converse with an hour track featuring applied and gleaming white gold Arabic numerals. A fine central sweep seconds hand reaches beyond the hour track and floats above a chemin de fer.
Two subdials reside in the upper region of the dial, proclaiming the day and month. A date display and moon phase indication reside in the lower section of the dial. Assuming the watch is kept wound, the date will only require adjustment once per year, on the 1st of March. The moon phase display only deviates from the true lunar cycle by one day in every 122 years.
Four correctors, two positioned on each side of the case, facilitate user-friendly adjustment using a suitable stylus.
One of the strengths of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A is that the dial conveys much information and yet remains uncluttered. The choice of hands, numerals and colourway contribute to the model’s notably legible display.
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A – case
Measuring 38 mm in diameter, this watch does not subscribe to the notion of conspicuous consumption, shunning unseemly flamboyance. In fact, the stainless steel case is wonderfully unobtrusive both in terms of its modest dimensions and its discreet persona.
The case is beautifully refined, encompassing numerous sinuous contours. Moreover, there are many subtle details that enrich the overall appearance of this watch. For example, the sapphire crystal has a chamfered edge, tapering down towards the bezel. This may sound insignificant, but when viewed with numerous other tiny details, the ownership experience is enriched.
The 5-rows steel bracelet wonderfully plays with light, creating numerous pockets of brilliance and shade. Despite its unassuming character, the case is highly polished throughout. This form of surface treatment can sometimes appear overwhelming, even gauche, however, Patek has judged everything to perfection.
An exhibition caseback grants sight of the beautifully appointed Caliber 324S QA LU.
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A – Caliber 324S QA LU
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 4947/1A is an object of beauty and its allure extends to its exquisite movement. The bridges of the Caliber 324S QA LU are adorned with vertical Côtes de Genève motif and feature bevelled and polished edges. Perlage adorns the mainplate and gilded text abounds. The oscillating mass is formed of 21-carat yellow gold and is embellished with circular Côtes de Genève and the Maison’s emblem, the Calatrava cross.
Beyond the movement’s exquisite finishing, there are numerous technical niceties. For instance, the Caliber 324S QA LU is fitted with Patek’s Gyromax system (a type of variable inertia balance). With this type of balance, the length of the hairspring remains fixed. The four c-shaped weights, affixed to the spokes of the balance wheel, are turned clockwise/counterclockwise to adjust the moment of inertia, making the movement run faster or slower.
The Gyromax system is superior to the ubiquitous index-adjusted balance as the hairspring is less susceptible to positional error. Moreover, the rate stability is superior as well. Patek Philippe has placed the inertia weights on the spokes of the balance wheel instead of adopting the traditional approach of affixing screws to its outer rim. By employing this approach, the Gyromax system generates less air turbulence, thereby aiding precision.
While it is evident that Patek Philippe respects watchmaking traditions, finishing its movements in a time-honoured fashion, the Manufacture is certainly no laggard. Indeed, it has repeatedly embraced cutting-edge technology when this has conferred advancement. For instance, the hairspring on the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A is made of ‘Silinvar’, a type of silicon. This material is not liable to corrosion, magnetism or temperature fluctuation, making it ideal for hairsprings.
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A – closing thoughts
At this juncture, you will have no doubt deduced that I am very fond of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A. Its specification includes an annual calendar and moon phase indication and despite the complexity this implies, the dial says everything clearly and with extraordinary brevity. The ‘shantung’ dial evokes thoughts of Scottish tartan, salmon-filled locks and mist-covered mountains, another trait that endears me to this watch.
Personally, giving due consideration to my physique, I would prefer it if the watch was slightly larger, however, for most ‘normal sized’ wearers the 38mm case should prove ideal. The widespread use of polished steel enlivens the model’s mien without appearing excessive.
Consistent with the finest products, there is much substance beneath the Patek’s façade. Indeed, the Ref. 4947/1A is not only handsome on the outside, it also possesses a beautiful soul. The Caliber 324S QA LU is superbly finished, perpetuating the Maison’s esteemed reputation. Furthermore, the movement encompasses several specification highlights that should elevate the ownership experience.
One of the problems of living in a social-media-dominated-world is that it encourages obsessive behaviour. With numerous images posted on Instagram, often accompanied by text extolling the speculative nature of Nautilus ownership, many philistines overlook what makes a Patek Philippe wonderful.
At the Patek Philippe Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, on the outskirts of Geneva, adroit design, fine materials and sublime craftsmanship coalesce wonderfully. The resultant watches represent the pinnacle of fine watchmaking. Quite simply, it seems vulgar to talk of investments, capital growth and yields when cradling an exquisite timepiece. I hope the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1 doesn’t suffer the same fate as the Nautilus and that all the timepieces produced end up in the hands of owners who appreciate the true worth of a magnificent watch.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947/1A
- Case: Steel; diameter 38 mm; height 11 mm; water resistance 3 ATM (30 m); sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: Hours, minutes; annual calendar (day and month by hands. date in an aperture. moon phases); central sweep seconds.
- Movement: Caliber 324S QA LU; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 34 jewels; power reserve (min. 35 hours – max. 45 hours)
- Strap: 5-rows steel bracelet with fold-over clasp
- Price: £41,430 (RRP as of 4.9.2023)