5980
2862
One of the many eternal questions we ask, and one without answer beyond "time will be the great equalizer." And this cuts both ways
I recall a very early decision tree in my Patek journey: a new, complicated Nautilus (5980) on the left, a new, complicated AC on the right. I had just prior dipped my toe into the Patek waters with the newly reintroduced 5712/1A.
Left: another Nautilus (do I want two?). Re-envisioned icon? Steel. New complication. Proven design / aesthetics (IMO). Personal appeal 10/10
Right: an AC chrono? A future icon? Marriage of new and old design. Platinum. Personal appeal 9/10
In the end, the handle says it all. Do I regret passing on what to my mind is the clear best-in-class 5960? As it's turned out, no, I don't. Principally for Joe's reasoning above. The reference has been over-sold, diluted with too many flavours. Had history gone differently, making the original 5960P one of one (or even a couple variations), I think I sit here today with a degree of remorse.
And as above, I may still do. Time will tell. In the meantime, you own a prime reference. Enjoy 😊
Ps...I realize this tale is of precisely zero help to you...apologies 😔. You got me thinking, and that's dangerous according to my wife
What with all this 5960 activity I would love some opinions.
We all know this hobby we all love sometimes makes no sense at all and having been collecting Watches for 30 years + I have seen Many watches that just don’t seem popular while others seem to enjoy cult like admiration when not deserved. So my question is...
Good question Miles!
Unfortunately applying logic to what is a subjective product is nonsensical. I ask that question everyday about a variety of things and arrive at the conclusion that most people are fickle! I’m guessing not many people are accustomed, appreciate or like t...
Thank you Langeholic.
Good points but it seems you are as bemused as me. ??????? Fickle for sure. Cheers Miles.
I really love this version, Miles.
I really like the grey dial with the red numbers on the chrono. The only thing I question is the lack of a frame around the two side windows for the annual calendar. Other than that, I can't really say. I haven't experienced this one or the steel models i...
Thank you for the response
I’d understand that to a degree but this was happening long before the Steel was released???? I’m pleased we have another dial appreciator it really is great in the flesh. Thank you. M.
Then I really have no explanation.
Not an educated one anyway. Perhaps another way to view is that markets don’t always appreciate what it sees in the short to medium term. Over the long term, though, things get sorted out. Perhaps that is what will happen here. If I had the ability to hav...
Your opinion is worth a lot.
Thank you for your thought they made a great deal of sense and I’m sure you are right. Cheers M.
I love (and collect) platinum watches
Dial color is pretty unique and dynamic. I'm sure Patek designers put a ton of thought into making the first version as compelling and desirable as possible, and they did.
5960 thoughts
Hi Miles! Good question. The original P and R versions, with the grey dial are the quintessential 5960 for me. This is what Patek intended for this watch to be. A modern take on a brand historic design aura - such as the one found on a 5004 or 3970. Somet...
Thank you R.
Your thoughts are appreciated and make complete sense. This is why I love this model so much as well you hit the nail on the head. This was what Patek intended for the 5960. For me it feels right and I guess it was the first 5960 I saw and it was love at ...
IMHO it’s the best dial in the 5960p range .
I bought mine in 2007 and at that time bought at full list and a little premium in the mid 80k’s $ Range. Unfortunately the timing of this reference was unfortunately bad as this along with the 5980 faced the dilemma of the 2008/9 market crash. They were ...
I am in a very small minority on this forum regarding this watch......
I think I can recall just Volker having a similar opinion to me and a massive majority disagreeing with me. So, my thoughts in response to your question really do reflect just my opinion and as such have no bearing on how future opinion will develop. Furt...
Thanks for your thorough summary of your thoughts
I fully understand and appreciate your views. A pure horological view no doubt. A complicated calendar is a perpetual, a chrono is a chrono, a perpetual chrono is the whole thing. In this view an annual calendar is a halfhearted attempt. However I would l...
I have a different perspective on point #1. Historically, with both Rolex and Patek variations IMHO enhance the “desirability”
And value of a reference, particularly of the rare dial variation. A reference 570 or 530 can sell at auction anywhere from $12,000 USD to over $1,000,000 USD. How about an RCO Paul Newman vs. a standard 6263? Of course, one can argue that this hurts the ...
One of the many eternal questions we ask, and one without answer beyond "time will be the great equalizer." And this cuts both ways
I recall a very early decision tree in my Patek journey: a new, complicated Nautilus (5980) on the left, a new, complicated AC on the right. I had just prior dipped my toe into the Patek waters with the newly reintroduced 5712/1A. Left: another Nautilus (...
Familiar dilemma....
I was in a similar situation some years ago.... 5980 blue dial steel on left... 5960 gray dial platinum on right.... went for the 5980.... then shortly after the 5960.... still enjoy both. So similar yet so different. Both extremely wearable!
What can I say? All versions are great.
Officially 5960 is a "Complicated" watch. Just compare it to a perpetual with 240Q movement. The perpetual is a "Grand Complication", much less parts and higher price. No big differences in the visible finishing. Ref. 5960 has annual calendar, chronograph...
I turned my 5960 into a perpetual calendar.
I paid one of my kids $20 to advance the calendar to March 1 while I was sleeping. I woke up the next morning and BANG perpetual calendar.
You hit on something I always wondered about...
As watch lovers we love to play with our watches... we wind them, push the chrono buttons, maybe even manipulate the timezone correctors just for the heck of it. So why all of a sudden is it such a hassle to change the date once every other month?!!! Or i...
Thank you all.
For your great thoughts and opinions on this watch. I understand a little more why this version of this reference is underrated but still think it is a massive injustice and we will have to wait and let time do it’s thing. Cheers. M.
It's the best version!
I have the same question as you. I think this original model is still the best version of the 5960? The anthracite dial MAKES the watch!