What is the new Patek Philippe Reference 5978P-010?
Patek Philippe’s Reference 5978P-010 is the first time the Genevan brand has combined its manually wound chronograph movement with an instantaneous perpetual calendar. An all-new model powered by the all-new calibre CH 29-535 PS QI, it made its debut recently at the brand’s WATCH ART Grand Exhibition currently being held in Milan from October 7th – 18th. It is housed in a platinum case and is a limited edition of 120 pieces.
It is the brand’s seventh Grand Exhibition, a biennial event. They have unveiled several new references to mark the occasion in Milan, ranging from the new Gondolo Ladies First collection, an Aquanaut, a Calatrava, a perpetual calendar, minute repeaters and creations from their Rare Handicrafts collection. We covered the “Burano” Ref. 992/193J-001 pocket watch and “Sicilian Oranges” Ref. 20179M-001 Dome table clock from the Rare Handicrafts collection earlier in July.
What are its dial features?
It features a sunburst navy-blue dial with a textured centre and a black gradient rim. The dauphine-shaped hour and minute hands are made from white gold and coated with luminescent material. The centre chronograph and 30-minute counter hands are coated in red varnish. The faceted baton-style and square hour-markers are made from white gold. The frames for the three calendar indications on the upper arc of the dial are made from white gold.
What are its case and strap features?
Its case is made from a fully polished 950 platinum case measuring 42 mm (diameter) * 14.24 mm (thickness). Dial side and caseback feature sapphire crystals. Water resistant up to 30 metres.
The watch comes with a navy-blue strap made from a composite material featuring a textile pattern and contrasting red stitching. It is fitted with a patented Patek Philippe triple-blade fold-over clasp made from platinum.
How many parts does the movement have?
500! Calibre CH 29-535 PS QI is a manually wound movement that drives the centre hours and minutes, small seconds, chronograph functions: centre chronograph and 30-minute counter, instantaneous perpetual calendar functions: date, day of the week, month and leap year, day/night indicator and moon phase display.
It measures 32 mm (diameter) * 8.1 mm (height), comprises 33 jewels, beats at a modern frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and delivers a power reserve of 55 hours (minimum) – 65 hours (maximum, if chronograph not activated).
What do we think?
Patek Philippe’s ability to launch new models each year–whether they are new versions of existing references or entirely new models–is unmatched. This holds true whether the timepieces encompass their simple time-only pieces, complications, grand complications, gem set pieces and Rare Handicrafts. I witnessed this firsthand during Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2025 and 2026.
The Reference 5978P-010, with its chronograph and instantaneous perpetual calendar, showcases the brand’s exemplary technical expertise in the grand complications space. It will be a much talked about watch in the months to come. I predict that when the 120 pieces are fulfilled, the model will feature in another iteration (different dial and/or case material) in the brand’s permanent catalogue.
Also Read: Patek Philippe unveils new models at Watches and Wonders Geneva
Also Read: Kunaal’s top watch selection from an amazing Watches and Wonders
Additional Details
Name: Instantaneous Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Reference: 5978P-010
The watch is Hallmarked by the Patek Philippe Seal.
Price: On Request
