In 1996, Patek Philippe patented the Annual Calendar complication, a new mechanism that took into account the different lengths of the months and required only one annual adjustment in February. The legibility of the calendar functions were made easy thanks to the month and day that were indicated via two apertures on the top part of the dial whereas the date, moonphases and 24 hours indication were placed elegantly on the lower part of the dial.

In a bold move, Patek Philippe decided to merge fine complications and sports chic by launching a Nautilus housing this intelligent and useful complication.

The present watch is fitted with a white dial that displays the signature of storied retailer Tiffany & Co. underneath the moonphase aperture. Tiffany & Co. is Patek Philippe's longest retailer and partner, their relationship starting since 1851. Such is their good relationship that Tiffany and Co. has been granted the honor of printing their name on some of Patek Philippe's dials. To date, the present watch is the only known example of the reference 5726 with white dial and a Tiffany & Co. signature to appear on the auction market, underscoring the rarity of the present watch.