Patek Philippe 5960 Platinum vs. Gold Weight
Market

Patek Philippe 5960 Platinum vs. Gold Weight

By dr.kol · Feb 23, 2017 · 67 replies
dr.kol
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
67 replies25739 views6 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Dr.kol presents a detailed analysis of the weight differences between Patek Philippe Ref. 5960 models in various precious metals, prompted by a discussion with moderator Mark. This post offers a quantitative comparison of platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, including their densities and material costs. It provides valuable insights for collectors considering the tactile and financial aspects of different metal choices.

67 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →
Moderator Mark is thinking about 5960 and the weight of the watch.

Let's have a closer look.

Here is 5960A with WG clasp and a bespoke strap.





And the same in platinum; clasp made of platinum and same length of strap.






Platinum is heavier like we all know. But what about platinum vs. gold?







Yellow gold






White gold






And rose gold







Let's have a closer look at the densities of different metals:

- Platinum 21.4 (21.4 g per cubic cm)
- Gold 19.3
- Stainless steel 7.9

However, the platinum used for watches is 95% platinum while gold is just 75% gold. The three different golds have a bit different density because of those 25% of different metals. White gold with palladium is a bit heavier than either yellow or rose gold.

The density of 950 platinum is about 20.34 while 750 gold is in average 15.3. This means that the density of platinum used in watches is about 36% higher than the one of gold. At the same time the density of gold is some 94% higher than the one of steel.

Now comes the interesting part.

Yesterday platinum was 30.91 EUR / g while gold was 38.24 EUR / g. If we forget the value of other metals in the mixture, 950 platinum was € 29.36 per gram and  750 gold € 28.68 per gram. The case of 5960 requires about 60 grams of platinum and 38.4 grams of gold. In other words the raw materials cost of a platinum watch are some € 660 higher than the same of a gold watch...

To Mark: A 5960G would be just some 20-25 grams lighter than the platinum brother. The difference is not really remarkable.

Best, Kari

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5960

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5960A, introduced in stainless steel, represents a significant offering within the brand's annual calendar chronograph series. This particular reference is notable for being the first annual calendar chronograph from Patek Philippe to be offered in a non-precious metal, making it a distinctive piece in the Complications collection. It combines practical complications with a robust case material, appealing to collectors seeking a blend of utility and horological complexity.

This reference features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 QA 24H. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The dial is presented in white, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The integrated stainless steel bracelet complements the case material, providing a cohesive aesthetic.

The 5960A in stainless steel holds a specific position for collectors due to its material choice and the integrated bracelet, differentiating it from its precious metal counterparts. Its combination of an annual calendar and chronograph functions, along with the 24-hour indication, makes it a highly functional and mechanically interesting timepiece. The special hand set and case back decoration mentioned for this specific 5960A further emphasize its unique attributes within the production run.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.CH 28-520 QA 24H
Case
stainless steel
Diameter
40.5mm
Dial
white
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
CH
christianch
Feb 23, 2017

and there is very few resources online about it. Well done! Christian

AR
Ares501 - Mr Green
Feb 23, 2017

Looking at your calculus one wonders where all this zeros in total price of Pt watch comes from yes I know the movement, dial, hands, craftmanship...finish...working with platinum... heft of brand name ...historical value etc...but still....one wonders Cheers D

KE
keks
Feb 23, 2017

Clearly P has some more heft, but most important is how the case fits the shape and size of ones wrist! Amazing summary Kari! Bothers me often that weight is a spec usually left out for watches as it is quite relevant to people like me!!!

DR
dr.kol
Feb 23, 2017

And as you can see, pure platinum has a density of 21.4 while pure gold has a density of 19.3. In reality gold has a density just 10% lower than platinum. Best, Kari

DR
dr.kol
Feb 23, 2017

Just think about the price difference between 5960/1A and 5960P. No wonder the most expensive manufacturers don't like to make steel watches. Best, Kari

DR
dr.kol
Feb 23, 2017

The higher weight of P does not bother me a bit. We guys easily lift a pint of beer weighting some 12 times more than the weight difference between the steel and platinum model of 5960. So beer drinkers should not complain! Best, Kari

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 67 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →