Made out of stainless steel, with a matching bracelet, this Patek Philippe 5960A combines a practicalannual calendar chronograph complication, with the versatility and robustness of steel.It was introduced in 2014, almost 20 years after the invention of the annual calendar complication by Patek Philippe.

The Annual Calendar Chronograph

In 1996, Patek Philippe released the worlds 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 a calendar complication, compared tothe brands . The complication has been in the manufacture's catalogue ever since.

The reference 5960Aannual 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, in a clear andlegible manner. All of these can be individually adjusted, using the correctors on the left side of the case. A subtly placed power reserve indicator can also be found below the 12 o'clock aperture.

Furthermore, the 5960Aadditionally comes equipped with a flyback chronograph function, concealing much of the information within the sixoclock subsidiary dial. Here you will findan outside hour track, designated witha longer black hand. Inside this, a minute track in two layers is displayed,with the help ofa shorter red hand. Within these sub-dials, there is also a night & day indicator, which is subtly placed at the bottom of the subdial.

The clear white dial features applied indices with luminous points within the outer chapter ring. Matching leaf hands are also lume filled for ease of legibility, further enhancing the practicality of the watch. Overall the aesthetic is retrained and light, despite the range of complications which are displayed.

The 40.5mm case is made out of stainless steel, which is seldom used by Patek Philippe in their wristwatches, past and present. Balancing sportiness with a more classic aesthetic, the 5960A offers a welcome versatility.Featuring round pump pushers and fluid lugs, the case is typical of the brand'scontemporary watchmaking style, with smooth, bevel-free lines.

The Movement

The 5960is powered by Patek Philippes CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H calibre the first in-house automatic chronograph movement by the brand, . 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 thePatek 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.

The Set

This Patek Philippe ref. 5960/1A-001comeswith its Certificate of Origin, stamped by the original retailer Kamine, Japan. It also includes the original warranty card, printed in Japanese, along with its Patek Philippeouter box, inner wooden box, leather folio,product manual, calendar instruction card, additionalliterature andsetting pin.It comes fitted to its original steel Patek Philippe bracelet.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this 5960/1A-001 will be subject to 20% VAT

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