Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Flyback Chronograph

In 1996, Patek Philippe made one of its most brilliant strategic moves — the introduction and development of the Annual Calendar complication.

Patek recognized a gap in offerings between the simple and (relatively) accessible Calatrava classic dress watches, and the complicated — and, in turn, highly expensive — Grand Complications. The so called “Annual Calendar,” which needs adjusting just once per year, bridged the gap between these two price points, offering a natural progression for collectors looking to access a Patek complication. This change allows the movement to be far more economical to produce and easier to service.

The inaugural Reference 5035 Annual Calendar of 1996 was a tremendous success, and ever since, Patek’s Annual Calendars have been popular favorites. These watches represent the bread and butter of the brand — perfectly executed, complicated dress watches that any collector would be proud to own.

In 2006, Patek Philippe released the Reference 5960P, a platinum annual calendar coupled with a flyback chronograph. Distinguished from the other annual calendars due to its decidedly sporty look, it immediately stood out from the crowd.

This watch wasn't only noteworthy for its flyback complication, however — it also featured a modern annual calendar layout: Instead of displaying the annual calendar in subsidiary dials, Patek instead used aperture displays. While apertures have been used by Patek throughout history — take the Reference 3448 perpetual calendar, for example — these are  typically displayed in-line. For the 5960, Patek instead made vaulted, framed apertures that follow the curve of the case. This made for a modern take on the annual calendar and breathed new life into the collection.

This particular Reference 5960R-001 is executed in rose gold, with a cool grey dial with red and blue accents for the chronograph counters. The calendar complications and power reserve sit at the top of the dial, while the minute and hour totalizers are placed at 6 o’clock within a single oversized sub-register. A day/night indicator is cleverly integrated within this subdial, while the entire dial is topped with a sapphire crystal.

A number of other stylistic choices were made that separates the 5960 from previous references: Unlike the 5035 and 5146 annual calendars, it has a concave bezel that helps reinforce its modern look. Additionally, the 5960 is sized at a comfortable 40.5mm — sporty dimensions for a complicated Patek, but ones that suit it well. Finally, the 5960 is finished with a signed crown and engraved pump pushers.

Dating to 2009, this example is presented on a signed brown alligator strap with a signed rose gold clasp and comes with its inner box, hangtags, setting tool, leather folio, booklets, and Certificate of Origin. An excellent entry point in to complicated Patek, its unique configuration helps it stand out from the much more commonplace white gold execution of the 5960. 

Snap up this example before someone beats you to it!

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.