Patek Philippe Complications 5960A-001 Discontinued
About This Watch
The Patek Philippe Complications 5960A-001 in stainless steel was one of the first complicated Patek Philippe watches offered in steel, and it caused a sensation upon release. The combination of a flyback chronograph, annual calendar, and power reserve indicator in a stainless steel case from the world's most prestigious watchmaker was unprecedented. The 5960 series features a unique dial layout with the chronograph displayed via a single sub-dial at 6 o'clock that functions as both a 30-minute counter and running seconds indicator, with a 12-hour counter at 12 o'clock. The annual calendar information appears in three windows arranged across the top of the dial. The black dial with applied gold hour markers creates a dressy, sophisticated appearance despite the steel case. The caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H is one of Patek Philippe's most complex movements, integrating multiple complications into a cohesive whole. Discontinued in 2021, the steel 5960 has become a collector's piece, representing the era when Patek Philippe began offering complicated watches to a broader audience through the use of stainless steel.
In-Depth Review
# The Patek Philippe Complications 5960A-001: A Stainless Steel Anomaly
Few timepieces command the respect that Patek Philippe's discontinued Complications collection generates, and the 5960A-001 exemplifies precisely why. Released in 2014, this 40.5mm stainless steel chronograph merged seemingly incompatible complications into a single integrated movement: a flyback chronograph, annual calendar, and power reserve indicator, all orchestrated by the proprietary CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H caliber. The decision to house this mechanical symphony in stainless steel rather than precious metals was calculated audacity—Patek Philippe acknowledged that serious collectors valued engineering over metallurgy. With 55 hours of power reserve and the solid craftsmanship expected from Geneva, the 5960A-001 represented the brand's commitment to functional complexity without sacrificing wearability or daily practicality.
This watch attracts a specific demographic: the experienced collector who views complications not as status symbols but as mechanical puzzles worth mastering. The black dial and leather strap positioning suggest restrained elegance rather than ostentation, appealing to professionals and enthusiasts equally comfortable discussing chronograph mechanics as business strategy. Discontinuation has only intensified collector interest, with secondary market prices hovering around $75,000—a premium that speaks to scarcity and desirability.
In its segment, the 5960A competes against the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph and Lange & Söhne's Datograph, both formidable alternatives in precious metals. Yet the 5960A's stainless steel proposition remains singular—a rare instance where Patek Philippe prioritized innovation over material prestige, resulting in an instrument that rewards genuine engagement with haute horlogerie
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Patek Philippe CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 40 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.5mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 13.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, smooth |
| Dial Color | Black |
| Lug Width | 21mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Black calfskin leather strap |
| Clasp | Fold-over clasp in stainless steel |
| Weight | 85g |
| Complications |