Patek Philippe

nothing but time
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5960 Epiphany

I've had an epiphany about the 5960 in the last few days I'd like to share.

By way of backstory, I'd like to state a few things for the record first.  Many of us begin journeys lasting a lifetime, without knowing they are beginning.  I began collecting wristwatches (Patek to be specific)  in a similar way, back in 2005.  It began in the most benign of ways with a 5970g priced at $77,000 ..  an outlandish sum for a watch, but my only watch back then. I’d been saving for it - and I had to be coerced into buying the piece by my AD.

Along the way I've acquired many great Pateks, so many that I began to feel awkwark, embarrassed and scared posting them to the world. I'm unusual versus other collectors in the sense that I wear everything I buy, everything.  I wear the 5101 swimming.  I jog in the repeaters.  I want to wear the watches and FEEL them in my life. I want to enjoy them without thinking about the economics.  I do this every day, without thinking about it. Nobody around me knows or cares.

If I sense somebody knows what I'm wearing, I tilt my wrist and act like it couldn't possibly be ‘that piece’.  Anyway..  I’ve grown a good sized collection in a short time.  When I ran out of Patek's I could buy at the right-price, I switched to Jaeger, then began adding the odd vintage pieces and late-great complications.

A few days ago I reached into the repetoire and started wearing the 5960r. I actually felt sorry for this watch because there it was in my case, so beautiful and unworn. I strapped it on and began a pretty active day. Work, family, swimming, fun, driving. Nightime, club, dinner, club again, sleep.  I woke and for the first  time in months found I hadn't removed the piece from my wrist. It was an interesting thing because no matter how drunk I get, I always remember to take off my watch.  This one felt different, because it felt invisible. Substantial, but light, effortless to wear, fun, sophisticated; I could tell the time in the dark; it was unencumbering.  My point is:  It was the perfect Patek.  I was struck by my thoughts and rewound to a previous post by watchfan1 with his wonderful painting of the 5960 (above), added to other classics he had converted to enduring works of art...  then it occurred to me that the 5960 could be the most underappreciated classic of our time. The future Rolex Daytona, the 2499 or Daytona of years to come.

I’ve always been forward looking and laugh if you will, but I've made a fortune of sorts by peering into the future and seeing what is yet to come. I've done this several times. Watchfan's art, coupled with my own exxperience, coupled with other friends who passionately but quietly prefer this piece - It all started to point to one of those indelible patterns I'd seen several times in the past. I'd encourage you to suspend your belief if your eyes are rolling as I write this and just hear me out as I vent.  Recently I pointed out that the 5960 meets the criteria of speaking to our time. It is new and represents RIGHT NOW.  Flash forward 30 years and when you’re listening to the music from now and reminiscing about THIS ERA, it will be the 5960 that speaks to it from a Patek perspective. Rich people are getting older and the annual callendar is easier and quicker to read than perpetual.  If you’re a future Sudoku master you may still wow your friends with your ability to count days on the 5970 (I own and love all versions of the 5970) but the rest of us who’s grey matter ages with coffee and cognac bestowed by the good-life, will need a date that says: “Tue” “15“ “Sept” .  The 5960 like it’s similarly designed $750,000 cousin the 5207p does this. The fact that this more expensive view to the future (the 5207) rhymes with the 5960 speaks volumes as well.

I am just overcome with the feeling that this watch will carry the resonance of our time, better than any modern cousin.  The ste-up from a watch investor's perspective could be similar to those enjoyed by purchasers of the 5004 at list in the past.

Too many people are too passionate about this piece, too early in its release.   Something special is happening around this piece.

With these watches trading below list, I’d encourage ANYONE with the means to make it their mission to secure a 5960 in the coming months.  This piece will not be produced indefinitely and I strongly believe they are at the bottom of their price cycle today. Based on my recent wearing experience with the 5960r, I can think of no better economic-horologic combo decision, than to purcchase a 5960 in any metal in the near future. The 5960G will be the ideal wristweight/esthetic balance if the 5970g desireability and 5960r wearability are any guide, but at these prices, I'd buy them all.

Appologies in advance if this orratory put anyone’s feet to sleep but I felt I had to post like this.