Patek Philippe 5960A Stainless Steel Review

@WatchesandWristshots · 2019-02-03T14:17:18Z

Collector @WatchesandWristshots reviews the Patek Philippe 5960A in stainless steel. Discover pros, cons, and community insights on this annual calendar flyback chronograph.

@WatchesandWristshots

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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@WatchesandWristshots shares his journey to acquiring the Patek Philippe 5960A, detailing his decision-making process and initial impressions. This post invites the community to discuss the merits and drawbacks of this distinctive stainless steel annual calendar flyback chronograph, offering a candid look at collector preferences.

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After a long doubt I decided it was time to pull the trigger on this one. The love for the 5960 reference has always been there. The only factor that it took me a while was about deciding which one to get.

Personally I went with the A because the stainless steel wears so well and gets the most wrist time of the pieces I already have compared to the ones in precious metals. Because I really want to wear this one on a regular to daily basis so that was the main reason. Also for me the bracelet adds character to the watch, to some of you a bit too much I can definitely understand. This is definitely not a piece 'everybody' fell in love with from day one. To be honest it took me a while to get used to it. But here it is. Now I love it

And still love the other 5960's too so you'll never know ;-)

Please let me know what you think! I like pro's and cons. Everybody is entitled to their taste or opinion so no heart will be broken if you hate it ;-)

Have a nice sunday friends!

Best regards,

With it's sibling

*Sorry for the image overload but I also definitely like it when you guys share more than a pic or 2 of your wonderful PP's

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

The Patek Philippe 5960A, while having many positive attributes, has some minor cons including 1/5 second subseconds markings with a 1/4 second beat movement, less smooth chronograph pushers than expected, and a preference for instantaneous minutes and orange chronograph hands.
The 5960A is praised for its stainless steel case, bracelet, flyback chronograph, annual calendar, and vintage-inspired pushers, making it a versatile daily wearer that combines well with various outfits.
The 5960A is considered a 'poor man's grand complication' due to its combination of an annual calendar, 12-hour flyback chronograph, power reserve, and day/night indicator in a steel Patek that doesn't command excessive premiums.
The watch is noted for being extremely comfortable, easy to wear, relatively light, and featuring great complications, though the chronograph can be difficult to read in certain lighting.
The bracelet, initially a point of contention for some, is appreciated for its unique character and comfort, with some owners preferring it exclusively over straps after extended wear.
Patek Philippe's focus, as stated by Thierry Stern, is to produce more watches in precious metals, potentially reducing steel output, which makes the discontinued steel 5960 variants notable.

The Discussion

dr.kol

Feb 3, 2019

Congrats! I am a huge fan of the watch. [nt]

@WatchesandWristshots

Feb 3, 2019

Thank you. Very much appreciated.

Are you still a fan? Saw you before wearing it regularly if I remember correctly. Best, H

dr.kol

Feb 3, 2019

I am a huge fan!

My work is much easier and when I am off, I mostly wrar Rolex. My standard office watch is 5960. Other Pateks get very little wrist time. Best Kari