Patek Philippe 5960: Photos and Review

Chromatic Fugue · 2024-01-07T18:40:16Z

Explore Chromatic Fugue's in-depth review of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/01G. Discover why this white gold, matte blue dial chronograph is a modern classic.

Chromatic Fugue

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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Chromatic Fugue, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, shares a detailed review of his Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/01G. His article offers a compelling exploration into the nuances of this reference, particularly its final white gold variant with a matte blue dial. This piece is invaluable for collectors considering the 5960, providing a personal yet thorough examination of its design, wearability, and unique appeal within Patek Philippe's modern complications.

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Hi everyone -- I posted some quick shots of my new 5960 when I got it a couple of weeks ago and promised to follow up with this review (and better shots). For the longest time, this reference wasn't really on my radar. Over the past 5 years, I've enjoyed reading the never-ending "5960 roll call" thread started by our friend keks. But I had never seen a 5960 in the metal; the only similar watch I had tried on until recently was its successor, the 5905, which frankly overwhelmed my wrist. I had thus assumed that, at 40.5 mm, the 5960 would also be too large or at least too top-heavy. I was very pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise when I happened to see a pre-owned one for sale a month ago.

I didn't buy that particular watch, but I was intrigued. I spent hours reading through this site, asking questions of current owners, and comparing various photos online. I eventually decided in favor of the final variant, launched in 2017 and recently discontinued (along with all other 5960s). This is the 5960/01G in white gold, with a matte blue dial. There were a lot of extremely subjective criteria I thought about when making this choice.

First, I wanted something versatile I could wear with jeans, etc., and this version seems slightly sportier than its platinum or rose-gold cousins. And I'm a sucker for red accents.

Second, although I love the steel models, I prefer somewhat heavy watches to light ones, and the steel models become pretty light once you remove the bracelet (as I would have done). That said, this version is *extremely* similar in appearance to the drop-dead-gorgeous black-dial steel version, except that the dial here is matte blue rather than gloss black (and has the tasti tondi pushers).

Third, so much of the soul of these watches lies in the execution of the "bullseye" in the bottom of the dial; the bullseye on this model seems particularly well-integrated with the rest of the dial. The blue in the interior predominate as a microcosm of the blue of the dial as a whole, and the reasonably thin silver outer border is a microcosm of the silver race track along the edge of the main dial.

Fourth, there are a few small details on this version that I love, including the framed borders for all three windows (rather than just the date window, as on the other non-steel versions) and the tasti tondi pushers (see photo below).

Some impressions after a couple of weeks. I swapped out the original tan strap, which didn't really work for me, in favor of a blue strap that the seller threw it for free. It isn't my first choice of strap, but I've special-ordered a shorter strap with white stitching, which I think should work pretty well. I'm also pleasantly surprised by the wrist feel: I was worried that the watch would feel top-heavy or floppy, but it doesn't. The watch is generally very legible as to the time of day, even when the hour and/or minute hands overlap with the bullseye. My only critique is that the hour and minute hands sometimes obscure the chronograph reading within the bullseye. But that "flaw" is obviously inherent in the nature of this movement.

So overall, I'm very happy. Here are some photos showing why!

About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5905

Patek Philippe Reference 5905 Annual Calendar Chronograph

The Reference 5905 represents Patek Philippe's integration of annual calendar and flyback chronograph complications within their contemporary collection. This model combines the practical annual calendar function with chronograph timing capabilities, positioning it among the manufacturer's multi-complication offerings produced from 2015 to present.

The 42mm case is constructed in 18k white gold with polished bezel treatment and sapphire crystal protection. The automatic Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H provides the timekeeping and complication functions, delivering 45-55 hours of power reserve. The black dial is fitted to a leather strap, with water resistance rated to 30 meters.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking Patek Philippe's combination of calendar and chronograph functions in a larger case format. The 42mm sizing and white gold construction distinguish it within the annual calendar range, while the flyback chronograph capability adds operational versatility for timing applications.

Specifications

Caliber: CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 42 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5960 is gaining deserved recognition as one of Patek's most interesting modern references, appealing to a wide range of collectors due to its elegant yet sporty character and versatility.
While personal preferences vary on watch weight, the 5960/01G's matte blue dial, 'bullseye' subdial, and tasti tondi pushers are highly praised design elements that make this specific variant particularly appealing.
The 5960 is considered by some to be the most appealing modern Patek Philippe, offering a 'modern sporty classic' aesthetic with excellent wrist presence, though some desire improved water resistance for a true 'go anywhere' watch.
The choice of strap significantly impacts the aesthetic of the 5960/01G; while the original brown strap may not appeal to all, a blue strap transforms its appearance, enhancing its visual appeal.
The 5960 is lauded for packing four complications—chronograph, flyback, annual calendar, and power reserve—into a single case, with specific details like framed windows and red accents on the blue dial being highly appreciated.
A key functional advantage of the 5960's movement is its vertical clutch, which allows the chronograph to run continuously without concern for wear, and its ability to record up to 12 hours, a feature notably absent in its successor, the 5905.

The Discussion

ChetBaker

Jan 7, 2024

Yay! Major congrats on this acquisition. I own it too

and it is exactly the details that you mention that sealed the deal for me over one of the platinum versions that I also looked at extensively. A beautiful watch that packs a lot of punch with no less than 4 complications (chrono, flyback, annual calendar, power reserve) in a single case.

Chromatic Fugue

Jan 7, 2024

Thanks!

Yes, it’s a curiously under-hyped reference for all it offers. Which is of course great.

amanico

Jan 7, 2024

I agree with you on most of your points. There is something sporty chic these steel and white gold variants have, due to the mono counter chrono. I really like them, too.

Chromatic Fugue

Jan 7, 2024

The chrono is great..

apart from the visibility issue I mentioned. Very glad that it records up to 12 hours rather than 30 minutes (and not sure why the larger 5905 abandoned that feature). I’m also glad that it’s vertical clutch, enabling us to keep it running without concern for the movement.

amanico

Jan 8, 2024

The visibility is often mentioned, but I fear the reason is worse: Our tired eyes...

Chromatic Fugue

Jan 8, 2024

To be clear —

visibility isn’t an issue with the hour and minute hands. The issue (which isn’t a big deal) is that the hour and minute hands sometimes eclipse the chrono hands — for example at 4:25. Eagle vision wouldn’t be able to solve that problem! Otherwise I’m with you on the aggravation of what you euphemistically call “tired eyes” — it’s why I didn’t keep my GMT meteorite, which I couldn’t read without glasses.