When Patek Philippe launched the new reference 5496 at Baselworld 2011, the watch impressed immediately with its signature combination of perpetual calendar, retrograde date display, silvered dial and 39.5 mm. case in platinum (inspired by the famous 1930s Calatrava reference 96).

In 2014, Patek Philippe revived this elegant reference with a new dial color charmingly named ‘honey brown’ in a platinum case, as can be seen in the present lot. The sun-ray pattern of the dial captures the gilded reflections of the light to transform the dial into gradations of an inviting caramel tone which, in turn, contrasts beautifully with the white gold hands and indexes.

Listed in Patek Philippe's catalogues for two years only, reference 5496 with "honey brown" dial is both exceedingly beautiful and exceptionally rare.