Patek Philippe adds a new chapter to its celebrated lineage of perpetual calendar chronographs with the Ref. 5978P-010, created for the Watch Art Grand Exhibition Milan 2026. While its combination of a platinum case and traditional chronograph architecture connects it to a history stretching back to the Ref. 1518 of 1941, the 5978P introduces something entirely new: the caliber CH 29-535 PS QI, combining Patek Philippe’s manually wound chronograph with an instantaneous perpetual calendar for the first time. Its four calendar displays change simultaneously in approximately 30 milliseconds, while a navy-blue gradient dial, Italian calendar indications and sporty composite strap distinguish this 120-piece Milano edition.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5978P-010 is housed in a fully polished 950 platinum case measuring 42mm in diameter and 14.24mm thick. Its classical round profile is defined by a concave bezel, sculpted scalloped lugs and rectangular chronograph pushers, balancing the substantial dimensions required by the new high-complication movement with traditional Patek Philippe design elements.
A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the new 500-component caliber CH 29-535 PS QI and carries the transfer-printed inscription “Patek Philippe Milano 2026.” The movement’s traditional architecture places its horizontal-clutch chronograph mechanism on display, including the column wheel topped by the polished cap characteristic of Patek Philippe’s manually wound chronographs. As customary for the manufacturer's platinum watches, a discreet diamond is set into the case at 6 o’clock.
The crown is positioned between the rectangular chronograph pushers controlling the manually wound flyback mechanism, while sapphire crystals provide views through both the front and back of the watch. Water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet).
The 5978P-010 features a sunburst navy-blue dial with a textured center and a black gradient that progressively darkens toward its perimeter. Faceted white gold baton-style hour markers and matching dauphine-style hands provide the primary time indications, while snailed counters and multiple levels of finishing add depth to a display accommodating both the chronograph and perpetual calendar.
The perpetual calendar indications are concentrated primarily across the upper portion of the dial, with the day between 10 and 11 o’clock, the date at 12 o’clock and the month between 1 and 2 o’clock. In recognition of the Milano edition, the day and month indications are presented in Italian. The leap-year display sits at 4 o’clock, while the 24-hour day/night indication is incorporated into the running-seconds counter at 8 o’clock. Moon phases appear at 6 o’clock, while the chronograph receives a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a red-varnished central chronograph seconds hand.
White luminescent coating is applied to the faceted white gold dauphine-style hour and minute hands for improved low-light visibility. The red-varnished chronograph indications provide additional contrast against the blue dial, while the combination of its textured center, sunburst decoration, snailed counters, black-gradient perimeter and applied white gold elements visually separates the numerous indications without obscuring the underlying symmetry.
Patek Philippe 5978P-010 Instantaneous Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
The “Patek Philippe Instantaneous Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Milano 2026” (Ref#: 5978P-010) is powered by the new in-house manually wound mechanical movement, caliber CH 29-535 PS QI with 33 jewels, 500 components and a frequency of 28,800 vph, or 4Hz. Based on Patek Philippe’s CH 29-535 PS chronograph architecture, it combines a traditional column-wheel and horizontal-clutch chronograph with an instantaneous perpetual calendar mechanism that accumulates energy before simultaneously advancing its four calendar displays in approximately 30 milliseconds. It comes equipped with a Gyromax balance and Breguet overcoil hairspring, alongside indications for the day, date, month, leap-year cycle, 24-hour cycle and moon phases. Power reserve can last between 55 and 65 hours with the chronograph disengaged, when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is an ultra-resistant navy-blue composite strap featuring a textile motif and contrasting red stitching, giving the highly complicated platinum watch a distinctly sportier appearance. It is secured by Patek Philippe’s patented triple-blade fold-over safety clasp crafted from platinum.
The Patek Philippe Instantaneous Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5978P-010 Milano 2026 is limited to 120 pieces. The watch was created for the Watch Art Grand Exhibition Milan 2026 and introduces the aforementioned new CH 29-535 PS QI caliber.
MSRP: $337,585.00 USD
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