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Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph 5960/1A-001 Review: A Timeless Masterpiece

by Thomas Jentzsch on April 22, 2023

Patek Philippe is a renowned Swiss luxury watch brand that has been producing exceptional timepieces since 1839. The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph (Reference: 5960/1A-001) is one of the brand's most iconic and sought-after models. This watch is a perfect blend of classic design and modern technology, making it a must-have for watch enthusiasts and collectors. In this review, we will delve into the intricate details of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph and explore what makes it such a remarkable timepiece. From its elegant appearance to its innovative features, we will take a closer look at all aspects of this watch to help you determine if it's the right fit for your collection.

Brand Summary

Patek Philippe is a luxury Swiss watch brand that has been producing high-end timepieces since 1839. The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph (Reference: 5960/1A-001) is a sophisticated watch that combines a chronograph function with an annual calendar, displaying the day, date, and month. It is crafted with stainless steel and features a black dial with luminescent hands and hour markers. The brand is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless designs.

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph 5960 Stainless Steel / Silver (5960/1A-001)

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Watch Details

The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph is a highly coveted timepiece in the luxury watch market. The Reference 5960/1A-001 was first introduced in 2006 and has since become a favorite among watch enthusiasts and collectors.

This watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 40.5mm and a thickness of 13.5mm. The case is paired with a stainless steel bracelet that is both comfortable and stylish. The bracelet is secured with a fold-over clasp that has the Patek Philippe logo engraved on it.

The dial of the Reference 5960/1A-001 is a beautiful sunburst blue with applied hour markers and hands in white gold. The subdials for the chronograph and the annual calendar are located at 6 and 12 o’clock respectively. The chronograph measures elapsed time up to 12 hours, while the annual calendar displays the day, date, and month. The annual calendar only needs to be adjusted once a year, on March 1st.

Powering the Reference 5960/1A-001 is the Patek Philippe Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H, a self-winding mechanical movement that features a flyback chronograph, an annual calendar, and a power reserve of up to 55 hours. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, which also displays the Patek Philippe seal.

The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Reference 5960/1A-001 is a limited edition watch, with only a few hundred pieces produced each year. This exclusivity, combined with the high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, makes it a highly sought-after timepiece. The price range for this watch is approximately $70,000 to $80,000, depending on the condition and availability.

In terms of availability, the Reference 5960/1A-001 can be found in select Patek Philippe boutiques and authorized dealers worldwide. Due to its limited production, this watch may be difficult to find, especially in certain regions. However, Patek Philippe has a strong reputation for customer service and support, so interested buyers should not hesitate to contact their local dealer or the brand directly for more information.

Overall, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Reference 5960/1A-001 is a stunning timepiece that combines style, functionality, and exclusivity. Its beautiful design, impressive movement, and limited availability make it a must-have for any serious watch collector or enthusiast.

Key Features

  • Stainless steel case
  • Black dial with silver-tone hands and index hour markers
  • Date display at 12 o’clock position
  • Day of the week and month displayed in apertures at 10 and 2 o’clock respectively
  • Chronograph function with 60-minute and 12-hour counters
  • Automatic movement with 55-hour power reserve
  • Sapphire crystal caseback
  • Water resistant to 30 meters
  • Polished stainless steel bracelet with fold-over clasp
  • Case diameter: 40.5mm

 

PRO (+)

  • Highly accurate timekeeping with an annual calendar and chronograph function
  • Stylish and elegant design that is suitable for formal occasions
  • Durable stainless steel case and bracelet that can withstand everyday wear and tear
  • Water-resistant up to 30 meters, making it suitable for occasional swimming or snorkeling
  • Powered by Patek Philippe’s own self-winding mechanical movement, ensuring reliable performance
  • Easy-to-read dial with clear indicators for the calendar and chronograph functions
  • Comes with a transparent case back, allowing you to admire the intricate inner workings of the watch
  • Highly sought-after and collectible timepiece, making it a valuable investment
  • Backed by Patek Philippe’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship

CONTRA (-)

  • Expensive price point
  • Complexity of the watch may be overwhelming for some wearers
  • Requires regular maintenance and servicing
  • May not fit comfortably on smaller wrists
  • Not suitable for more casual or everyday wear

Comparable Watches

When it comes to comparable watches to the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph (Reference: 5960/1A-001), there are a few options that come to mind. One of the most notable is the Rolex Daytona, which is also a chronograph with a similar sporty aesthetic. However, the Daytona does not have an annual calendar complication, which sets the Patek Philippe apart.

Another option is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, which also features a sporty design and a chronograph complication. However, like the Daytona, it does not have an annual calendar. The Royal Oak does have a date complication, but it is not as complex as the Patek Philippe's annual calendar.

Finally, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar is another comparable watch to the Patek Philippe. It features both a chronograph and a calendar complication, but it is not an annual calendar like the Patek Philippe. Additionally, the Master Control Chronograph Calendar has a more classic design compared to the sporty aesthetic of the Patek Philippe.

Overall, while there are watches that share some similarities with the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph, none can match its unique combination of complications and design.

Watch Collectors Opinions

The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Reference 5960/1A-001 has received high praise from watch collectors and reviewers alike. Many have noted the watch's beautiful design, with its sunburst blue dial and white gold hour markers and hands. The stainless steel case and bracelet have also been praised for their durability and comfort.

Reviewers have also been impressed with the watch's impressive movement, the Patek Philippe Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H. The flyback chronograph and annual calendar functions have been noted as particularly useful and practical, while the power reserve of up to 55 hours is impressive for a mechanical movement.

The limited edition status of the Reference 5960/1A-001 has also been a point of interest for collectors, with many noting the exclusivity and difficulty in obtaining one. However, the watch's high price point has been a point of contention for some, with many noting that the cost may be prohibitive for some collectors.

Overall, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Reference 5960/1A-001 has been praised for its stunning design, impressive movement, and exclusivity. While the watch may not be accessible to all collectors due to its limited availability and high price point, it remains a highly coveted timepiece in the luxury watch market.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Reference 5960/1A-001 is a remarkable timepiece that embodies the brand's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Its stunning design, impressive movement, and limited availability make it a highly sought-after watch among collectors and enthusiasts.

The Reference 5960/1A-001 boasts a beautiful sunburst blue dial with white gold hour markers and hands, housed in a durable stainless steel case and bracelet. The chronograph and annual calendar functions are both practical and useful, while the Patek Philippe Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H movement is a testament to the brand's expertise in watchmaking.

While the limited edition status of the Reference 5960/1A-001 may make it difficult to obtain, Patek Philippe's reputation for customer service and support means interested buyers should not hesitate to reach out to their local dealer or the brand directly for more information.

Overall, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Reference 5960/1A-001 is a watch that is sure to impress even the most discerning of collectors. Its combination of style, functionality, and exclusivity make it a must-have for anyone looking to add a truly exceptional timepiece to their collection.

FAQs

1. What is the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph and what makes it unique?
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph is a luxury timepiece that combines the functionality of a chronograph with the convenience of an annual calendar. It is unique in that it is one of the few watches on the market that can accurately display the date, day of the week, and month without requiring manual adjustment for months with fewer than 31 days. This is due to its innovative annual calendar mechanism, which automatically adjusts for the varying lengths of the months.

2. What are the technical specifications of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph?
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph has a stainless steel case that measures 40.5mm in diameter and 13.5mm in thickness. It features a sapphire crystal caseback, which allows the wearer to admire the intricate workings of the Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H movement. The watch has a power reserve of 55 hours and is water-resistant to a depth of 30 meters.

3. What is the design of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph like?
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph features a classic and timeless design that is sure to appeal to watch enthusiasts of all ages. It has a silver dial with black Arabic numerals and hands, which are coated with SuperLuminova for improved visibility in low-light conditions. The watch also has a stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp, which adds to its overall elegance and sophistication.

4. How does the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph compare to other luxury watches on the market?
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph is widely regarded as one of the finest luxury watches on the market today. It is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional accuracy. While there are other luxury watches that offer similar features, few can match the level of quality and attention to detail that Patek Philippe is known for.

5. What is the price of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph, and is it worth the investment?
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph is a luxury timepiece that comes with a price tag to match. It typically retails for around $80,000, making it one of the most expensive watches on the market. While this may seem like a steep price to pay, many watch enthusiasts consider it to be a worthwhile investment due to its exceptional quality, timeless design, and potential for appreciation in value over time.

 

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