Posts tagged #Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph

Rare Bird: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5960P. A Discontinued Classic Complication.

When it was launched in 2006, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph in platinum won instant acclaim. It was the manufacture's first self-winding chronograph, manifested a new and unique style with its prominent monocounter and three large calendar apertures, and quickly established itself as one of the most coveted timepieces of the Patek Philippe portfolio. The success story continued with further versions in platinum and rose gold. With the release of the stainless steel reference 5960/1A —which you can read about it here— in 2014, the platinum model was officially discontinued.

Baselworld 2017: Patek Philippe ref. 5960/1A-010 Ebony Black Opaline Dial. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.

This Baselworld 2017, Patek Philippe took the center stage with 24 novelties that included a little bit of everything including eight new watches within their grand complications collection, seven within the complications and eight new timepieces for ladies just to name a few. The reference 5960 that we're talking about was originally released in 2006 and lauched in stainless steel with the letter 'A' in the model designation 5960/1A —which stands for 'acier', steel in French—, in 2014 replacing the gold and platinum versions. This year, a new iteration of reference 5960/1A has been released with an ebony black opaline dial.

Baselworld 2014: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5960/1A. Live Macro Pictures.

Patek Philippe's new Ref. 5960/1A Annual Calendar Chronograph is a wristwatch that emanates the cool sheen of stainless steel. It is one of the manufacture's rare classically elegant wristwatches outside the casually exclusive Nautilus and Aquanaut collections that combine a complicated movement with a stainless steel case measuring 40.5 mm in diameter. This debut is bound to capture the attention of collectors and brand aficionados.

When it was launched in 2006, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph in platinum won instant acclaim. It was the manufacture's first self-winding chronograph, manifested a new and unique style with its prominent monocounter and three large calendar apertures, and quickly established itself as one of the most coveted timepieces of the Patek Philippe portfolio. The success story continued with further versions in platinum and rose gold. Now, the letter "A" in the model designation 5960/1A, which stands for acier —steel in French—, announces a paradigm change. The Annual Calendar Chronograph in stainless steel is not only the latest sibling of its lineage but will also replace all current gold and platinum versions.

Patek Philippe's stainless steel watches have always ranked among the most desirable timepieces because they were crafted only in small numbers. They were not regularly produced until 1976, when the manufacture introduced the casually elegant Nautilus line. Its memorable slogan: "One of the world's most expensive watches is made of steel." Twenty years later, the attractively stylish Aquanaut was also endowed with a stainless steel case. With very few exceptions, such as the ultra-thin Ref.5950A split-seconds chronograph which has been in the collection since 2010, all other Patek Philippe men's watches were systematically cased in gold or platinum. As regards this strict distinction between casual and classic watches, the new Ref. 5960/1A is another one of these seductive exceptions.

Powered by the Patek Philippe calibre H 28-520 IRM QA 24H with flyback chronograph and annual calendar, this watch comes with a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound and the movement is fully visible via the display case back.

Its integrated stainless steel bracelet flows nicely with the design and follows the classic 'rice bead' links of all other Patek Philippe bracelets. The bracelet is fitted with a double folding clasp with small fliplock.

On the wrist, this watch exudes pure elegance but its red accents make it look very young and contemporary. The watch wears true to its size and we are confident this will become a popular watch among the younger Patekaholics.

Sticker Price close to $55,000 USD to be confirmed. For more info on Patek click here.