The Power of Steel: Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A

If there is one brand that understands the power of steel, it is Patek Philippe. They were one of the pioneering brands that made this robust metal precious. This has become somewhat of a legacy for the brand. Next to the Nautilus, also the Aquanaut has become a steel powerhouse for the brand. But it doesn’t stop there, as the ref. 5960/1A testifies.

When the watch was introduced in 2014, it received a warm welcome, and for a good reason. Not only does it combine two very desirable complications: a flyback chronograph and an annual calendar, but they are also wrapped in a 40.5 mmsteel case, and even fitted with a supple five-row stainless steel bracelet. All this combined not only makes for a very practical watch, but also for a very tempting Patek Philippe.

This year Patek Philippe introduced the ref. 5960/1A with a new dial with black as the main color. This might make the watch even more desirable, as it maintains a sportive look yet is at the same time slightly more understated. Patek Philippe continued some red details by means of two red hands, while the rest of the dial features a nice contrast between opaline black and silver.

The functions on the ref. 5960/1A are nicely grouped, with the chronograph functions clustered in a single subdial at six o’clock, while the annual calendar is separated over three windows in an aligned with the top part of the dial. The discs of the annual calendar functions have the same color as the dial, which makes them blend in nicely, while the large, silver letter and numbers ensure that they can still be read with ease. Add to this the day/night indicator, as well as the power reserve indicator, and you have a complete array of complications on a dial that is still surprisingly balanced and not overbearing.

All these complications are made possible thanks to caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H. This movement is made up of 456 parts, of which 40 are jewels. Patek Philippe fits them all in a space with a diameter of 33mm and a height of 7.68 mm. It is further equipped with a gold rotor, Gyromax balance, and Breguet spiral, and awarded the Patek Philippe Seal as well.

For slightly more classical inclined customers the ref. 5960/1A might be the ultimate sports watch, combining a complicated movement with a steel case and bracelet. Especially with the new black dial, this proposition might be tempting for even more watch connoisseurs then before!