Uncovering Patek Phillipe’s Complications Collection

In watchmaking, a complication is any feature beyond basic timekeeping or a simple date display. Patek Philippe’s Complications collection combines practical features with the brand’s signature craftmanship, offering refined functionality for the wearer. Explore the collection below to learn more about its features, pricing, and valuation process.

Materials Used in Patek Phillipe’s Complications Collection

Patek Philippe’s Complications models come in a stylish selection of materials, each of which is bound to make a statement:

• Yellow Gold
• White Gold
• Rose Gold
• Platinum
• Stainless Steel
• Leather (for bracelets)
• Silver Plate (for dials)
• Anthracite (for dials)

Precious stones like diamonds and other materials like mother of pearl (nacre) might also be included in individual designs for both men’s and women’s watches.

Available Complications in the Collection

Annual Calendar Models

Complications Annual Calendar models are designed with displays for the date, day, and month. The watches are crafted in a way which means the timepiece will ‘know’ whether a month has 30 or 31 days. This means the date only has to be corrected once a year on the 1st of March.

Some specific models within this collection feature separate windows for the date, day, and month. Depending on the design, the location of these windows may vary. For instance, the 5396 series places its day and month windows beneath the company name at 12 o’clock on the dial, with the date display at 6. 

Perpetual Calendar Models

Perpetual calendar models are often thought of as ‘the next step up’ in calendar timekeeping. Unlike annual calendars, they don’t have to be adjusted every 1st March. Instead, they will automatically adjust for February and can overcome the challenges other models face with leap years.

Chronographs and Flyback Chronographs

For a lot of the models in the Complications collection, the watch’s most distinctive feature will be its chronograph. A chronograph is, in essence, a stopwatch used to measure periods of time. Visually, they’re distinguished by their two or three sub-dials and the two pushers that start and stop the function. This is done without interfering with the rest of the watch.

An improvement on this particular complication is the flyback chronograph. This make of Complication allows the wearer to reset the function without the need to first stop the chronograph. This is unlike a standard chronograph, in which a user must stop, reset, and restart the chronograph in order to time an event after the chronograph has started.

GMT Functions

Frequent travellers, such as pilots and airline crew, or businesspeople who need to meet executives all over the world, favour watches with GMT function. The Complications collection offers multiple watch models with this feature.

An example of one of these is the reference 5524. This make was inspired by pilots’ watches from the 1920s and 1930s, and elements of the design make this obvious. Large, easily-illuminated numerals are the stand-out feature of the dial. The hands, which are wide for easy visibility, also glow in the dark. These watches also feature separate day and night indicators for local time and time at home.

World Time Watches

A world time complication allows the wearer to monitor more than just two time zones. Instead, they’ll be allowed the chance to monitor all of them. References 5230, 5231, and 7130 in the Complications collection are all outfitted with world time. Each of these watch models is equipped with the automatic calibre 240 HU. This movement displays the time in 24 time zones using central hour and minute hands, a 24-hour disc, and a city disc.

A push-piece fitted as part of the design (at the 10 o’clock mark) allows easy switching between time zones. 

Moon Phase Indicators

A moon phase indicator is a feature which allows the wearer to track the phases of the moon, as they are seen from Earth. For full accuracy, it travels from the new moon to the full moon and back. Models with these indicators make the perfect companion pieces for astronomers and those who enjoy space and tracking the heavenly bodies as a hobby.

Regulator Models

Regulator models, as is stated in the name, make use of regulator complications. This means the watch displays hours, minutes, and seconds on separate dials. The craftsmen achieved this by including two sub-dials in the design, which display the hours and seconds. Meanwhile, the main dial displays the minutes.

Multiple Complications

Complications watches are generally considered less complex than the improved-upon Grand Complications models. This is mostly because they use fewer complications and have fewer functions. However, that doesn’t mean that Complications models are limited to just one complication or function. Many models make use of more than one.

For example, you may find Annual Calendar Moon Phase watches in this collection, which features both annual calendars and moon phase indicators. Similarly, you might also find Complications watches offering Annual Calendars and Chronographs, Travel Time functions and Day Indicators, or any other combination of complications.

Patek Philippe Complications Prices in the UK

Patek Philippe’s prestige and craftsmanship are reflected in its prices. Watches in the Complications collection start at around £30,000, with more complex models reaching £140,000 or more. Some are available only on request from trusted retailers.

Selling to dedicated collectors often yields higher prices than auctions. Burlingtons Ltd. connects you with these buyers, offering a competitive upfront price for your antique or modern watch.

Valuing a Patek Philippe Complication

Beyond a network of buyers offering high prices, we’re dedicated to helping you sell your watch for the price that reflects what it’s really worth. This begins with a specialist valuation carried out by an experienced professional. Our professional, Daniel, will work out the true selling price of your watch based on:

• The age of the watch
• The watch’s overall condition
• The use of precious metals, like platinum
• The use of precious stones, like diamonds
• The watch’s complications
• The watch’s functions

This selling price will be among the highest you’ll find from any service, as you’ll avoid the fees that come with a traditional auction sale.