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.
