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Patek Philippe

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Comments:

Patek 5960 P, 5960 1 A, 5905 P: Some views.

 
 By: amanico : July 2nd, 2015-13:56
Honors to the novelty, the new Patek automatic Chronograph Annual Calendar, the 5905 P:

 

The case is 1, 5 mm bigger than the 5960, the dial has been redesigned, the hands are differently shaped, as well as the pushers.

While I love, and prefer the pushers on the 5905 P, this is, to tell the truth, the only detail I prefer on this new reference. I love these rectangular pushers a lot and find that they go very well with the case.

I am more comfortable with the former case, with the former dial, and with the former hands.

The monocounter of the 5960 has more character, is less " common " in its design than the new one, too.

I find the 5960 more refined.

Now, let's go back to the 5960...

One version I always loved, despite the fact that I am far from being mad with the annual clanedar complication, is the 5960P. Especially with its ruthenium dial.

The Watch is top class, with a touch of sportivity. Very inspired and inspiring. The Monocounter was original, fresh, in the chrono world, at that time ( 2006 ) and was shared with the Nautilus 5980.

 

 

Less elegant, more " cool " and sporty, the 5960 1 A...

The white dial is less refined, but doesn't lack charm. It just plays a different card. A kind of Paul Nemwan 5960, if you allow me this comparison taken from the vintage Rolex world.

 

 

Now, I have a huge problem, with this " 1 A "... The Bracelet.

In my opinion, and according to my taste, the bracelet is not at its place, with such a Watch. It breaks the coolness, it is too mannered, it is old looking, while the dial is modern, it is just strange.

Strange, too, that Patek didn't go for a strap option.

Let's play a bit with our imagination, and let's try to find a good strap for this " 1 A "...

A racing strap would have worked very well. Perforated, or with big holes, like those I found on the net?

 

White or red stitching?

That would have some serious coolness.

Or a more modern one, like the one of the 5004 Watch Only?

 

I am not far from thinking that IF you have the possibility to remove the steel bracelet and to change it for a perforated leather one, you are close to perfection in terms onf coolness.

Now the question is to know if it is possible to do such a change...

Best,

Nicolas

But where is the missing hour hand?

 
 By: Park : July 2nd, 2015-15:54
Nicholas,

Thank you for posting the lovely photos and your opinions, with which I almost entirely agree. 

We differ only on whether the grey dial 5960P beats the blue or black, a matter of taste to be sure.  You are more certain in your taste than I, as I love them all and enjoy the blue the most.

To me the great mystery is why on earth they omitted the chronograph hour hand.  I believe the 5960 and 5980 are the only references in Patek history that have included a 12-hour chronograph that could be started, stopped, and restarted without resetting.  This is an absolute necessity for those of us who time our work with a chronograph.  While I acknowledge that an hour hand on the chronograph is unnecessary for industrialists, for those timing cooking, parking meters, or horse races, or for the great majority who never use the chronograph, would it have been so hard to leave it there?  The movement was already designed for it, and the 5905 was a great opportunity to improve the monocounter so that it could be read like a clockface.  Patek went to the trouble to change the gearing of the chronograph minute hand so that it circulated once per hour instead of once per 30 minutes, so it would have been unnecessary to add another row of numerals.  In fact, they could have omitted the numerals on the subdial altogether. 

Patek, if you're reading this, please add back the chronograph hour totalizer to future releases of the 5905P.

Park


Of course, colors are very subjective. I get your point on the chrono hour hand.

 
 By: amanico : July 2nd, 2015-22:49

I love timing my trips by car. And I am lost after a while if the Chrono doesn't have the hour hand.

And I well remember that it is an important point for you, as you mention it for years. I remember one of our discussions in Paris, about that matter, too!  wink

Best, Park.

Nicolas

I have studied the question of strapping 5960/1A

 
 By: dr.kol : July 2nd, 2015-16:17

And I also have a solution... However, it takes some time to implement. 

I bought the watch yesterday and the needed parts are ordered. I must admit that the looks of the bracelet don't turn me on. At the same time I must say that it is the most comfortable bracelet I have ever handled or had on my wrist. 

Your strap proposal made me to smile. The ordered strap is very close. I'll show the watch when the project is ready. 

Best,
Kari

Can't wait to see what you found and how you did it. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 2nd, 2015-22:42
No message body

Everything is possible when

 
 By: dr.kol : July 3rd, 2015-02:25
getting some help from friends. 

Best
Kari

I'm not sure the 5905 is the 5960's replacement watch

 
 By: Mark in Paris : July 3rd, 2015-02:43
It is as usual difficult to know but it seems the 5905 is a mix of the 5960 and 5205 of course but there is still a 5960 reference in the catalogue (is it the last one I don't know).

We often have discussions about "why did they make this watch or that one wider" etc... But I was told that there is a real demand for wider case sizes.

Hence, I understand and find good we can have smaller and bigger watches in the catalogue. They are just not aiming at the same target.

I agree it is more sporty than the 5960 and less refined.

In that way, I think the overall collection proposes a wide offer.


I thus think the 5905 should be considered as a new watch and not as (yet) the replacement of the 5960. Of course it is difficult not to compare them.


I could see the 5905 lately: It has a very nice sunburst dial, I love the pushers and the dial (that I prefer to the 5960's). The only thing I'm not fond of is the chron subdial which has too thick markings.

And concerning the 5960A, It is my favorite 5960 if we don't take the bracelet into account smile

Thanks for the post Nicolas smile

Cheers, Mark

Its a replacement...

 
 By: Fricks : July 3rd, 2015-06:39
hi Mark,
    My 2 cents on this issue, 5960A was a new thing in Patek catalogue, daily version, automatic, more affordable, slightly less complicated than the 5970. It felt like a friendly approach of the 5970, entry level for higher complication, and targeting a wider audience.

The design was thought from scratch ( almost ), keeping in mind the basic, mixing traditional and modern.

5905 is the replacement even if there is still the 5960A in the catalogue. In the sense of the nature of the watch. The design evolved of course, but the roots are exactly the same... Same concept.
I would say that the 5960A is like a facelift that usually comes in the end of a series, and 5905 is the new model.

As you saw it live, did you feel the bezel was wider than 5960?

It is curious to compare it to the 5970 but

 
 By: Mark in Paris : July 5th, 2015-10:26
we all have our views on design.

However, the 5960 and 5905 are really close and the comparision is natural.

Time will tell what will become of the 5960 line.

In a way I like when something ends while still beeing looked for smile

Thanks for your view on this Fricks.

Cheers, Mark

I feel it is, I have the intuition of that, and when you compare both...

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2015-08:13

There is no need for Patek to get two of the same so close. Ok, there was the Nautilus 5980, but it was not an annual calendar.

Here the two refs are so close that, for me it is clearly a replacement.

Best,

Nicolas

It is possible to put a leather strap...

 
 By: Fricks : July 3rd, 2015-07:04
... i saw it already. I agree with what you said about the 5960A bracelet. They took a hard road. Think about it, how many nice bracelet there are out there? IMO I can count only 3-4 : Ap royal oak, nautilus, rolex (oyster and president).

As for the comparison between the 5905 and the 5960, the main issue i think is with the dial. The bull eye was giving a lot of caracter to the watch. It was original and gave it an identity. They tried to preserve it but failed to. Clustered bold white font don't make a bull's eye.

Still, its a very nice watch, the vivid blue dial seems to be unanimously appreciated , the nice finish and the presence on the wrist as well.

Only regret is that the 5960's original design has been diluted instead of being enhanced.

Would i buy it? Yes... If i had to choose, i'd go for 5960P blue.


I agree with every single word.

 
 By: beejo : July 3rd, 2015-08:33
Amanico said about the comparison.
That comparison has been on my mind for the past month back and forth.
I had my name on the 5905 waiting list,But I still can't get over the grey dialed 5960P.Now I am regretting that I didn't buy it while it was still in production.

Now As you are stating that we can change the bracelet of 5960A to a strap (which was the thing that annoys me from looking to that watch),I am considering the steel version as well.

Did anyone see the part of the case attached to the bracelet? I heard its not polished so when you change it to a strap it will show.


Regards,
Ahmed

That is the detail I want to see ( What's between the lugs ). +1. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2015-09:41
No message body

Like you, except 3 or 4 bracelets, I don't see many fine ones.

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2015-09:40

Absolutely agree on your observations about the 5905 dial. I find the 5960 more coherent.

Best,

Nicolas

5960/1a on strap

 
 By: minyuho : July 3rd, 2015-11:08









Thanks for these pictures, which are helpful.

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2015-11:22

Curious how they treated the part between the lugs.

But hey, if it is the price to pay to have it on a strap...

Best,

Nicolas

Gorgeous on strap!

 
 By: keks : July 3rd, 2015-22:35
Beautiful strap, may I ask where you had it made?

Life would be so much easier if Patek dropped 21mm lugs for 20mm…. so many more strap options at 20

+1 on the strap size. But there is still the solution of the strapmaker for a bespoke

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2015-22:38

Strap.

Best,

Nicolas

I have had quite a few made at 21mm…

 
 By: keks : July 3rd, 2015-23:18
but far costlier and fewer materials and textures to choose from generally. Suppose it requires more thought but for accessories impulse buys are generally more fun!

+1. A pity. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2015-23:25
No message body

Strap source

 
 By: minyuho : July 4th, 2015-07:57

Hi all,

I apologize if the last post was textless.  Insomnia at night and responded quickly to try to sleep.


Strap option 1:

Aftermarket choose 21/16 mm with replacement buckle.  You can use the same pins as the ones from bracelet.  I believe pins are SS.


Strap option 2:

Be a buddy with some Patek resellers and order a 21/16 mm Patek strap, which have quick change slots.  Plus order quick change pins (white gold).  Plus order White Gold Patek Pin / Tang buckle. 


Since the 5960P came out many years ago, that has always been my grail watch.  First came the grey dial, then the blue dial.  Multiple mortgages and feeding 2 boys means it is out of reach so far.

So, when the Zenith Captain Winsor appeared around 3 years ago, I snapped it up. Consider the blue dial, 42 mm, annual calendar with 60 minute easy to read chrono - it was a no brainer.  I wore that watch daily for 3 years without considering another watch.  It is 80% of the 5960P at less than 10% of the cost.

Come late 2014 one fine Christmas Eve, I stumbled upon the 5960 1/a while doing Christmas shopping.  Like many others, I have seen the 1A in photos at launch and questioned why anyone will buy it.  Seeing it in person though it is quite different.  The bracelet, like many before me have commented, is very comfortable and not so bad.  Like many things in life, you need to interact with it to truly appreciate it.  Plus a complicated steel Patek is quite the RARE bird.

So why did I change it from bracelet to strap?  Bracelet is easily scratched and I ended up wearing the watch only with long sleeve shirts (so cuff can protect the bracelet).  *Eyes rolling*. 

For those contemplating between 5960P and 1/a , I propose the following:

5960P=  5960 1a (can change to strap) + 5711 1a with a truly killer blue dial + Zenith Annual Cal Chrono (used in non Patek friendly areas - esp when travelling.   And maybe with spare change to boot ... 

It depends on what you look for and I suppose one way or the other will not be a mistake. 

With these 3, all my needs are covered for now.  Now my sanity is threatened by which option for the 5270G - chin / less - blue / silver.  There is always another grail ...


Good luck with the decisions and dealing with our watch insanity,

Minyu












This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-07-05 10:35:01

Funny how it is sexy with a strap. Thanks for your elaborated answer. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 4th, 2015-08:00
No message body

Link for strap

 
 By: minyuho : July 4th, 2015-08:00

Apparently, link did not work.


Google: market straps ZURICH FOR PATEK PHILIPPE

Very nice

 
 By: Mark in Paris : July 5th, 2015-10:34
and thank you for sharing Minyu.

Welcome on PuristSPro and congratulations for getting this watch, a great move.

Cheers, Mark