5 Cheapest Automatic Perpetual Calendar Luxury Watches

Perpetual calendars represent the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking, able to keep track of the day, date, month, leap years, and moon phases with no need for manual correction for decades.

But such craftsmanship comes at a price, especially from the world’s most prestigious brands. Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille perpetual calendar watches are rare and highly sought after.

In this article, we’ll explore 5 of the most affordable automatic perpetual calendar watches available from these four giants of horology. While none of them could be called “cheap” in absolute terms, these models represent the entry point to perpetual calendar ownership within each brand.

1. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5327J-001

Approximate Price: $95,000 USD

The Patek Philippe 5327J-001 is a timeless and elegant automatic perpetual calendar housed in a 39mm yellow gold Calatrava case. It uses the legendary Caliber 240 Q, a thin, ultra-reliable automatic movement with a micro-rotor.

With a beautifully balanced dial showing day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase, the 5327J offers one of the purest expressions of Patek’s perpetual calendar heritage, and remains among the most competitively priced options in the Patek lineup.

• Why it’s excellent: Pure Patek design, ultra-thin automatic caliber, classic elegance.

2. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5140P-001

Approximate Price: $85,000–$95,000 USD (pre-owned)

For those seeking a more contemporary Patek perpetual calendar, the 5140P-001 in platinum delivers understated luxury with a modern 37mm case and a similar Caliber 240 Q automatic movement.

The platinum version is available on the pre-owned market at prices that make it one of the most accessible ways to own an automatic perpetual calendar from Patek Philippe, with all the refinement you’d expect.

• Why it’s great: Discreet platinum case, excellent value pre-owned, ultra-thin automatic.

3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01

Approximate Price: $120,000–$130,000 USD

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is one of the few modern steel perpetual calendars on the market — and it perfectly blends sporty luxury with haute horlogerie.

The 26574ST is housed in a 41mm stainless steel Royal Oak case with an integrated bracelet. The signature Grande Tapisserie dial displays the full perpetual calendar with stunning depth and detail.

While not inexpensive, it is one of the most affordable Royal Oak perpetual calendars available — and one of the most desirable.

• Why it’s excellent: Iconic Royal Oak design, wearable steel case, high-legibility perpetual calendar.

4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 25829ST.OO.0944ST.01

Approximate Price: $225,000–$250,000 USD (pre-owned)

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 25829ST — an earlier reference — offers perpetual calendar functionality in a slightly slimmer, earlier-generation Royal Oak case.

Its classic design and slimmer proportions make it a favourite among collectors who want an automatic perpetual calendar in a more vintage-inspired Royal Oak package.

• Why it’s great: Classic proportions, excellent collector value.

5. Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa Flyback Chronograph Annual Calendar

Approximate Price: $625,000–$650,000 USD

Richard Mille does not produce many accurate perpetual calendars, but the RM 011 Felipe Massa features an automatic annual calendar that requires correction only once a year, in February.

It also combines this with a flyback chronograph and month display, making it one of the most technically impressive automatic calendar watches in the Richard Mille line.

If you want Richard Mille style, complication, and performanced, the RM 011 is a great option.

• Why it’s excellent: Sporty RM aesthetic, automatic annual calendar, lower entry price into RM complications.

Why Not Rolex?

It’s worth noting: Rolex does not currently offer a perpetual calendar watch in its collection. The brand focuses on annual calendars (Sky-Dweller) and day-date watches, but a full perpetual calendar Rolex has yet to be released.

As a result, the other three brands discussed here — Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille — are your options if you want an accurate automatic perpetual calendar watch from this elite group.

Choosing Your Perfect Perpetual Calendar

When selecting your ideal automatic perpetual calendar, consider:

• Design language: Classic like Patek, sporty like AP, avant-garde like Richard Mille.
  
• Case size: Do you prefer slim and dressy, or bold and modern?
  
• Usage: Is this a daily wear piece or a special-occasion watch?
  

Each of the models above offers an extraordinary blend of mechanical genius and prestige, representing some of the finest achievements in modern watchmaking.

Why Choose Big Moe Watches?

At Big Moe Watches, we are reshaping Dubai’s second-hand luxury watch market with an unwavering dedication to professionalism, integrity, and transparency. Every timepiece is meticulously handpicked by our experts, ensuring authenticity and exceptional quality so that you can buy with complete confidence.

If you’re searching for the perfect automatic perpetual calendar from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, or Richard Mille, we are here to help you find it.