Patek Philippe Complications 5960P-016 Annual Calendar Chronograph Platinum Black Dial (2013)
The Patek Philippe Complications 5960P-016 represents Patek Philippe's sophisticated integration of the annual calendar complication with chronograph functionality, introduced in 2006 as the first self-winding annual calendar chronograph in the manufacture's history combining two highly practical complications into a single integrated movement architecture. This reference builds upon Patek Philippe's pioneering development of the annual calendar complication patented in 1996 that automatically accounts for months of varying lengths requiring manual correction only once per year on March 1st, adding the utility of a chronograph for measuring elapsed time intervals through central chronograph hand and 60-minute counter, creating a versatile timepiece serving both calendar management and timing functions. The platinum case construction with black dial creates elegant visual contrast making this among the most sophisticated yet understated references in Patek Philippe's current collection, appealing to collectors who value both technical complexity combining chronograph and annual calendar complications in elegant classical round case architecture and platinum's prestigious status as the manufacture's most exclusive case material. The 40.5mm case crafted in platinum features polished round bezel, brushed case band, straight lugs with polished surfaces, sapphire crystal, two chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock positions for start/stop and reset functions, recessed correctors in case band for independent adjustment of day, date, and month, and transparent sapphire caseback revealing the extensively decorated movement. The black lacquered dial displays applied white gold baton hour markers, white gold baton hands with luminous fill, central chronograph seconds hand with white tip, day and month displays in twin apertures at 12 o'clock showing abbreviated indications, date display at 6 o'clock, 60-minute chronograph counter integrated into date subdial, day/night indicator integrated into calendar display, minute track with printed divisions around outer edge creating refined contrast against black background. Inside beats the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 QA 24H featuring column-wheel chronograph mechanism with vertical clutch ensuring smooth chronograph hand start, annual calendar complication with instantaneous jump for all calendar indications at midnight, 24-hour display, central rotor in 21-karat gold, 40 jewels, Gyromax balance wheel, Spiromax balance spring in Silinvar silicon, frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, Patek Philippe Seal certification guaranteeing exceptional finishing and precision standards of minus three to plus two seconds per day, approximately 45 to 55 hours of power reserve. Hand-stitched black alligator leather strap with large square scales secures with platinum fold-over clasp.Learn more The Patek Philippe Complications Reference 5960P-016 represents short-lived variant within brand's celebrated annual calendar chronograph collection combining two sophisticated complications within single integrated mechanism. Introduced briefly 2013-2014 production period, 5960P-016 features distinctive black dial creating darker character compared to typical gray blue dial variants within 5960 family. Case fabricates entirely from 950 platinum measuring 40.5mm diameter x 13.5mm thickness creating substantial precious metal construction. Black dial features applied white gold baton hour markers with luminescent coating creating refined legibility, day date month apertures position across dial upper portion displaying annual calendar complications requiring single yearly correction (February 28/29 to March 1). Combined chronograph totalizer subdial positions at 6 o'clock displaying both 30-minute 12-hour counters creating efficient layout, power reserve indicator positions at 12 o'clock showing remaining mainspring energy, day/night indicator integrates into dial enabling AM/PM differentiation. Flyback chronograph function enables instantaneous reset restart via single pusher activation creating tactical advantage timed events. Powered by Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H automatic movement introduced 2006 specifically for 5960 collection: movement comprises 456 components including 40 jewels demonstrating mechanical complexity required combining annual calendar flyback chronograph complications, 21-karat gold rotor provides automatic winding, movement oscillates 28,800 vibrations per hour delivering 55-hour power reserve. Patek Philippe Seal certification guarantees -3/+2 seconds daily accuracy plus traditional Geneva finishing. Sapphire exhibition caseback reveals movement architecture. Black alligator leather strap features square scales with 950 platinum fold-over deployment clasp. Water resistance 30 meters suitable splash resistance. Reference represents rare collector piece given brief production run creating exceptional scarcity within already exclusive 5960 collection.
The 40.5mm case fabricates entirely from 950 platinum (950/1000 purity) creating substantial precious metal timepiece weighing considerably more than equivalent steel gold cases. Round case features polished bezel creating mirror-like reflections, case middle lugs similarly polished. Case thickness 13.5mm accommodates Caliber CH 28-520's complex annual calendar chronograph architecture. Two round chronograph pushers position at 2-4 o'clock operating chronograph functions: pusher at 2 o'clock starts/stops chronograph, pusher at 4 o'clock operates flyback function enabling simultaneous chronograph reset restart without requiring stop. Crown positions at 3 o'clock fabricating from platinum featuring polished surfaces, crown operates winding time-setting functions though automatic winding reduces manual intervention. Four recessed corrector pushers position case periphery enabling annual calendar adjustments: pushers operate day month date power reserve corrections via included stylus tool preventing accidental activation. Sapphire crystal protects dial employing curved profile. Sapphire exhibition caseback reveals Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H architecture secured via screws creating transparent view of movement finishing. Case provides 30 meters water resistance suitable daily wear splash resistance though annual calendar chronograph positioned as dress complications rather than sports timepiece.
The black dial creates sophisticated monochromatic aesthetic. Dial fabricates from metal receiving black lacquer finish creating deep coloration. Applied hour markers fabricate from 18-karat white gold employing polished baton shapes positioned at all twelve positions creating refined indication, luminescent dots position adjacent to hour markers enabling low-light visibility. Central hands fabricate from 18-karat white gold employing feuille (leaf-style) design: hour minute hands feature polished surfaces with luminescent coating creating visibility, chronograph sweep seconds hand features counterbalanced design extending toward outer chronograph scale. Outer dial periphery features minute track with individual minute markers plus 1/5-second divisions enabling precise chronograph reading. Three aperture windows position dial upper portion displaying annual calendar: day aperture left shows weekday abbreviations, date aperture center shows numerals 1-31, month aperture right shows month abbreviations. Day/night indicator integrates into date aperture showing sun/moon symbols establishing AM/PM differentiation. Combined chronograph totalizer subdial positions at 6 o'clock featuring black background: subdial displays both 30-minute counter (outer track) 12-hour counter (inner track) creating efficient dual-counter layout, white gold hands indicate elapsed minutes hours. Power reserve indicator positions at 12 o'clock featuring fan-shaped display: semicircular scale shows remaining mainspring energy from full to empty, hand indicates current reserve level. "PATEK PHILIPPE" signature appears at dial center, "GENÈVE" smaller beneath.
Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H automatic movement represents Patek Philippe manufacture development introduced 2006 specifically for Reference 5960. Movement designation indicates complications: "CH" chronograph, "28-520" base caliber family, "IRM" instantaneous minutes (retrograde hand), "QA" quantième annuel (annual calendar), "24H" 24-hour indication. Movement comprises 456 components including 40 jewels demonstrating mechanical complexity combining annual calendar flyback chronograph mechanisms. Oscillating 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) providing enhanced chronometric precision smooth chronograph seconds hand sweep. Power reserve delivers 55 hours when fully wound enabling watch continue operating through weekend. Column wheel controls chronograph functions ensuring smooth precise actuation, vertical clutch engages chronograph seconds hand eliminating traditional horizontal clutch jump when activating. Flyback mechanism enables instantaneous chronograph reset restart: single pusher activation simultaneously stops returns-to-zero restarts chronograph without requiring separate stop reset start sequence creating tactical advantage successive measurements. Annual calendar mechanism employs Patek Philippe patented system automatically accounting for 30/31-day months: cam-based mechanism recognizes month length advancing date appropriately, single manual correction required yearly advancing date February 28 (or 29 leap years) to March 1. Power reserve mechanism employs differential gear system measuring mainspring tension displaying remaining energy via 12 o'clock indicator. 21-karat gold rotor provides bidirectional automatic winding: rotor features substantial mass ensuring efficient winding, rotor engraves with Calatrava cross. Movement employs Gyromax balance: free-sprung balance features adjustable weights positioned balance rim enabling precise regulation. Self-compensating Breguet overcoil hairspring ensures concentric breathing isochronism. Movement finishing employs traditional Geneva haute horlogerie: Côtes de Genève striping on bridges creating parallel decorative lines, anglage on edges creating polished bevels, circular graining on plates providing matte texture, polished beveled edges. Movement receives Patek Philippe Seal certification ensuring -3/+2 seconds daily accuracy exceeding COSC standards plus hand-finishing quality permanent assembly standards.
The black alligator leather strap fabricates from genuine alligator featuring square scale pattern creating texture. 950 platinum fold-over deployment clasp operates via folding mechanism: clasp fabricates entirely from platinum featuring polished surfaces, Patek Philippe signature engraves on clasp establishing authenticity.
The Complications 5960P-016 distinguishes through 950 platinum case 40.5mm diameter 13.5mm thickness, black lacquered dial applied white gold baton hour markers luminescent coating, day date month apertures annual calendar, combined 30-minute 12-hour chronograph totalizer at 6 o'clock, power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock day/night indication, flyback chronograph function two round pushers, Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H automatic movement 456 components 40 jewels 28,800 vph 55-hour power reserve, column wheel vertical clutch chronograph architecture, 21-karat gold rotor, Gyromax balance Breguet overcoil hairspring, traditional Geneva finishing Côtes de Genève anglage circular graining, Patek Philippe Seal certification -3/+2 seconds daily accuracy, sapphire crystal sapphire exhibition caseback, four recessed corrector pushers, 30 meters water resistance, black alligator strap platinum deployment clasp. Reference represents rare collector piece given brief 2013-2014 production creating exceptional scarcity, black dial variant rarest within 5960 platinum family, 5960 collection introduced 2006 establishing integrated annual calendar chronograph, exemplifying synthesis dual complications advanced movement architecture precious metal construction within Patek Philippe Complications collection.
