Guide To The Patek 4947, The Annual Calendar Moon Phase Watch

When it debuted in 2015, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moon Phase Ref. 4947 was positioned as a complicated ladies’ watch — compact, elegant, and mechanically impressive. But over the years, the collection has quietly evolved. With the 2021 release of the steel 4947/1A-001 on an integrated bracelet, the line made a confident move into unisex territory. Across all versions, the Patek 4947 pairs the brand’s patented annual calendar function with a moonphase display, housed in a refined 38mm case that balances everyday practicality with high-end finishing and classical charm. Keep reading for our in-depth guide to the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moon Phase 4947.

The Ladies’ Patek 4947 Watches

The earliest members of the 4947 family — references 4947G-001, 4947R-001, and 4947G-010 — were introduced in 2015 and 2017, and were very much positioned within Patek Philippe’s ladies’ lineup. These models offered a mix of mechanical substance and elegant style, powered by the self-winding Caliber 324 S QA LU — the same base movement used across many of Patek’s annual calendar references. The “QA” in the name refers to Quantième Annuel, the annual calendar system that Patek first patented in 1996. It automatically adjusts for 30- and 31-day months, requiring manual correction only once a year, at the end of February.

The 4947G-001 and 4947R-001 were released in 2015, with white gold and rose gold cases, respectively, both measuring 38mm in diameter and around 11mm thick. Their dials followed a familiar classical template: a trio of subdials for the month (3 o’clock), moonphase (6 o’clock), and day (9 o’clock), accompanied by a date window tucked below the lunar display. The white gold version featured a blue sunburst dial with applied Arabic numerals. Patek discontinued this reference in 2020. The rose gold model was fitted with a silvery sunburst dial with the same hour markers, this time rendered in matching rose gold.

In 2017, the 4947G-010 introduced a fresh version; while still housed in a white gold case, this model was paired with a crisp silvery dial with vertical and horizontal finishing to mimic shantung silk. This particular version was part of the batch of discontinued Patek Philippe watches in 2025, as was the rose gold Patek 4947.

All three of these early 4947 references were set with 141 diamonds (~1.28 ct) on the case and 14 diamonds (~0.06 ct) on the crown. Paired with colored alligator leather straps, they embodied a distinctly feminine style — elegant, dressy, and traditional.

The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar, Moonphases 4947 For All

In 2021, Patek Philippe gave the 4947 a dramatic update with the launch of the 4947/1A-001 — the first version of the model to be offered in stainless steel. But more than just a change in metal, this release also introduced a newly designed integrated bracelet. Made entirely of polished steel and composed of five staggered rows, the bracelet gives the watch a noticeably sportier and more contemporary feel while still retaining the refined proportions of the original. At 38mm wide and 11mm thick, the case suits a range of wrist sizes, making it a compelling unisex option. The diamonds were also dropped entirely, appealing to those who prefer a more streamlined look.

The dial holds its own, too. It’s a rich midnight blue finished with the same vertical and horizontal satin “shantung silk” brushing, punctuated by applied white gold Arabic numerals. The calendar indications remain consistent with earlier references: month, moon phases, and day are displayed via subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, while the date aperture sits just below the moonphase. Powering it all is the Caliber 26‑330 S QA LU, operating at 28,800 bph (4 Hz) and offering a power reserve of 35 to 45 hours.

With a retail price of $52,440, the 4947/1A-001 is still part of the current collection — in fact, it’s now the only 4947 reference available — and marks a key turning point in the evolution of Patek Philippe’s 38mm annual calendar watches.

Interestingly, while most stainless steel Patek Philippe watches tend to trade well above retail on the secondary market, the 4947/1A-001 is something of an exception. It currently starts at around $35,000 on the pre-owned market — significantly below its $52,440 retail price. That makes it one of the rare opportunities to own a modern, mechanically sophisticated steel Patek for less than MSRP, particularly one with a signature complication and an integrated bracelet.

Annual Calendar 4947/1A-001 Watch Specs

Model	Annual Calendar
Reference	4947/1A-001
Case	Polished stainless steel 38mm diameter 11mm thick
Dial	Midnight blue with vertical and horizontal “shantung” satin finish
Functions	Annual Calendar (day and month by hands, date in an aperture), moon phases, sweep seconds
Movement	Caliber 26‑330 S QA LU Self-winding mechanical movement 4 Hz 35 – 45 hours power reserve
Bracelet/Strap	Fully integrated five-row stainless steel bracelet with fold-over clasp
Buckle	Fold-over clasp
Water Resistance	30 meters
2025 Retail Price (MSRP)	$52,440 USD

What’s Next for the Annual Calendar 4947?

Across its decade-long run, the Patek Philippe 4947 has evolved from a diamond-set ladies’ complication to a polished steel piece with mainstream unisex appeal. But through every iteration, it’s remained consistent in what it offers: a beautifully proportioned case, an annual calendar layout that’s both intuitive and elegant.

Whether you prefer a leather strap and diamonds or an integrated bracelet and clean steel finish, the Patek 4947 remains one of the most quietly complicated watches in the watchmaker’s modern catalog. So what’s next for the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4947? I wouldn’t be surprised if another dial option or case metal joins the collection, complete with the metal integrated bracelet. Watch this space for any updates.