Patek Philippe Unveils Hand-Wound 5978P-010 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Patek Philippe has unveiled the Ref. 5978P-010, a limited edition of 120 pieces reserved for the Italian market. This platinum perpetual calendar chronograph marks a technical milestone as the first in its lineage to pair these complications with a manually wound movement and no chiming function.

The new watch continues an emblematic lineage that began in 1941 with reference 1518. That model scaled the chronograph and perpetual calendar into a wristwatch for the first time, establishing a visual design language for complex watches. It kicked off a famous lineage of 'high complications' followed by references 2499, 3970, the TV-shaped 5020, the remarkable 5970, and the modern 5270. The Ref. 5270 introduced a movement based on the brand’s CH 29-535 chronograph.

Technical innovation in the new hand-wound calibre

The Ref. 5978P is the first appearance of the perpetual calendar module in a watch without a chiming complication and in a manually wound movement. It is powered by the new Calibre CH 29-535 PS QI, an instantaneous perpetual calendar chronograph. This movement is based on the CH 29-535 PS chronograph, introduced in 2009, and the instantaneous perpetual calendar module seen in the R CHR 27 PS QI calibre used in references like the 5207.

The movement combines a horizontal clutch and a column wheel fitted with a polished cap. Its four perpetual-calendar indications jump instantaneously in just 30 milliseconds, with all windows changing simultaneously. Unlike progressive mechanisms, this instantaneous jump requires energy accumulation over hours, released in a fraction of a second to drive the calendar discs. The calibre comprises 500 parts and 33 jewels. It features a Gyromax balance with a Breguet overcoil hairspring, runs at 4 Hz, and offers a power reserve between 55 and 65 hours.

Design and presentation of the platinum limited edition

The reference 5978P-010 is presented in a classic, fully polished round case made of 950 platinum. It measures 42mm in diameter and is 14.45mm thick. The dial is a navy blue sunburst with a black gradient rim and a recessed, textured centre. It features applied white gold hour markers and white gold hands with luminescent coating. Red chronograph hands provide contrast.

The display includes a moonphase at 6 o’clock, a day/night aperture at 8 o’clock, and a leap-year aperture at 4 o’clock. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. It comes on a navy blue fabric-pattern composite strap with red stitching and a platinum triple-blade fold-over safety clasp.

Context within Patek Philippe’s Watch Art Grand Exhibition Milan 2026

The watch is one of seven limited editions created for Patek Philippe's Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Milan in 2026. These exhibitions are important brand milestones that shows savoir-faire, heritage, and exceptional métiers d’art. Previous editions featured six limited editions in Tokyo in 2023, six in Singapore in 2019, and nine in New York in 2017.

The new hand-wound movement can be admired via the exhibition case back, which is inscribed 'Patek Philippe Milano 2026'. The watch is presented as part of a limited edition of 120 pieces reserved for the Italian market at the Watch Art Grand Exhibition.