Perpetual calendars were the quintessential way to tell not only the time, but also the day, month and year before the advancement of the digital age. Nowadays, the perpetual calendar is more of a luxury than a necessity, but it still hasn't lost its verve as being one of the most appealing complications you can buy in a mechanical watch.
Here are 12 brilliant perpetual calendar watches that should be high up on your list if you're thinking of adding one to your collection.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked
Perhaps one of the hottest watches in the world right now, the black ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked is an ultimate grail amongst grails.
Glashütte Original Senator Perpetual Calendar
An avant garde take on the perpetual calendar, the Glashütte Original Senator Perpetual Calendar delivers on multiple fronts with a compelling aesthetic and a stunning movement.
Patek Philippe 5236P In-Line Perpetual Calendar
The brilliance of the Patek Philippe 5236P In-Line Perpetual Calendar is in its in-line perpetual calendar aperture display, amongst many things. Love these.
Patek Philippe 5140P Perpetual Calendar
The Patek Philippe 5140P Perpetual Calendar is one of those traditionalist perpetual calendars that has fallen off the radar somewhat, but still carries enough weight to hold its own as a micro masterpiece.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
The all-gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar paired with a blue dial is another one of those ultimate grail perpetual calendars. You have to see it in the metal to fully appreciate.
Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Perpetual Calendar
The Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Perpetual Calendar was introduced as a somewhat budget-friendly perpetual calendar for the budding enthusiast, and still to this day it is a highly respected piece amongst some very stiff competition.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar
Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar is a beautiful marriage of old world design cues with modern watchmaking technologies. The end result is something that is ethereal as it is generational.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Eight Days Perpetual Calendar
Like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Eight Days Perpetual Calendar carries with it the prestige and heritage of a watchmaking pillar. And you have got to love an eight-day power reserve for a perpetual calendar, too.
Ulysse Nardin GMT Perpetual Calendar
While Ulysse Nardin might be doing some very contemporary avant garde things with the Freak, it still struts its stuff as a very capable complicated watchmaker, in particular with the GMT Perpetual Calendar.
Chopard L.U.C Lunar One
The Chopard L.U.C Lunar One reigns supreme as one of the most perfect perpetual calendars around and a personal grail of mine.
IWC Big Pilot's Perpetual Calendar
It's big, it's green and it's available right here right now. The IWC Big Pilot's Perpetual Calendar in green is an exceptional piece that continues the legend of IWC's perpetual calendar watchmaking prowess.
IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar
The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is perhaps the maison's most iconic watch after the Big Pilot, with this particular crafted in gold with a slate grey dial.
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