Patek Philippe has produced regulator-style pocket watches over its storied history, however its very first regulator style wristwatch would only be introduced in 2012 at Baselworld. A regulator watch includes non-coaxial hour and minute hands, separated and displayed on different dials. Used in precision clocks at observatories and manufacturers to help set watches, the minute hand is always larger and centrally positioned in a regulator to emphasize its importance. The reference 5235 has the added distinction of housing the in-house calibre 31-260, Patek Philippe’s first all-new micro-rotor-based automatic movement since the calibre 240 launched in 1985. The calibre 31-260 was the only Patek Philippe movement equipped with a silicon escapement and hairspring. Additionally, the 5235 also incorporates an in-house annual calendar complication with apertures for the day, date, and month.

Visually, the watch is quite striking, and a departure from the brand’s product line, though not losing any of the elegance and symmetry the maison is known for. The angular case immediately calls to mind the historic perpetual calendar references 3448 and 3450, with sharply faceted lugs and a flat, tapered bezel. The case and spacious dial are exemplary in their contrasting finishes: the main, darker grey dial is vertically brushed, while the silver outer track has a diagonal brushing. The mirror polished bezel is set against the brushed sides of the case and lugs. Horological journalist Su Jiaxian called the 5235 the “most interesting modern Patek Philippe” in a 2018 article, and cited that it is one of Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern’s favorite offerings.

In 2019, Patek Philippe officially discontinued the 5235 in white gold, replacing it with a pink gold model with black outer track and subsidiary dials and a dark grey dial. The discontinued 5235G is offered here from its original owner, complete with all of its original accessories, and preserved in excellent condition.