This 5960P-001 is a fine example of a complication which has become almost synonymous with Patek Philippe: the annual calendar chronograph. Highly practical in its design and complexity, it is considered by many as the perfect everyday Patek Philippe, with useful functions displayed in a refined, clearly arranged dial layout and a very wearable amorphous case. As the first of this popular lineage, the 5960P was created in 2006 (with a grey dial), 10 years after the invention of the annual calendar complication by Patek Philippe.

In 1996, Patek Philippe released the the world’s first annual calendar wristwatch, the reference 5035. It was developed to show relevant information about the day, whilst also providing a more accessible price point for such a complication, when compared with the brand’s perpetual calendars. The complication has been in Patek’s catalogue ever since.

The reference 5960P's annual calendar mechanism only requires adjustment once a year in February, as it accounts for the long and short months throughout the year. The day, date and month are located within the three apertures displayed at the top of the dial, which are all very legible. These are adjusted using the correctors on the left side of the case.

Furthermore, the 5960P comes equipped with a flyback chronograph function, concealing much of this information within the 6 o’clock subsidiary dial. You will find the 60-minute counter surrounding the 12-hour counter on the inside, for the chronograph function. It has a longer minute counter in the form of a red pointer, distinguishing it from the shorter blue hour indicator. Within this sub-dial, there’s also a small circular aperture, serving as a day/night indicator.

The 40.5mm platinum case has a strong presence, yet maintains elegant styling. Featuring round pump pushers and fluid lugs, the case is typical of Patek Philippe’s contemporary watchmaking style, with smooth, bevel-free lines. The dial is a brushed grey, with applied indexes marked with luminous dots at the end. The matching leaf shaped hands are also luminous filled.

The 5960P is powered by Patek Philippe’s CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H calibre – the first in-house automatic chronograph movement by the brand, released in 2006. It features 40 jewels, a vertical clutch flyback column-wheel chronograph, power-reserve indicator, annual calendar day/night display and unidirectional 21k rotor. This piece bears the Geneva seal, pre-dating the Patek Philippe seal found on movements produced after 2009. The movement is beautifully finished, with exquisite chamfering on all angles, polishing and decoration, in the form of Geneva striping.

This Patek Philippe ref. 5960P-001 comes as full-set, with its original box, Certificate of Origin, leather wallet and setting pin.

It comes on one of our taupe  calfskin straps, and is also accompanied by its original Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18-carat white gold deployant clasp.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look