Patek Philippe’s reference 5960, first launched in 2006 in a platinum case, was a milestone for the prestigious Geneva brand as it featured the manufacture's first self-winding chronograph movement. Furthermore, it was designed with a disruptive and exuberant style, which Patek Philippe had not previously displayed. The dial had a large “bull’s eye”-type subsidiary chronograph counter at the bottom half of the dial, with night and day indication, and three large calendar apertures at the top. The reference became an immediate success with wait lists for those wishing to acquire one. The pink gold version, like the present lot, was introduced in 2009 and remained in production for only five years until 2014. At Basel 2014, Patek Philippe announced they had discontinued production of the 5960 in platinum and pink gold, and were now offering the watch in stainless steel. This change was another departure for the famed brand, since they rarely made complicated wristwatches in stainless steel.
The large 40.5 mm rose gold case of the present example is masculine and impressive. The automatic movement and annual calendar functions provide useful elements that make this Patek Philippe model an ideal, complicated timepiece to be worn on a daily basis.