Patek Philippe has been at the forefront of technical innovation. Over their distinguished history they have designed some of the most iconic and cherished timepieces in the field of collectors’ watches. Their design and craftmanship with complicated watches has a long tradition ranging from pocket watches to wristwatches, launching the first serially produced perpetual calendar and perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches in 1941 – the iconic references 1518 and 1526, respectively. In 2006 Patek Philippe released another milestone watch, the reference 5960 featuring the first self-winding, in-house chronograph movement with annual calendar. Initially launched in a platinum case and soon offered in 18 karat pink and white gold, in 2014 Patek Philippe introduced a stainless steel version fitted on a steel bracelet with a charismatic white dial featuring black and red accents. In 2017, Patek Philippe released a new stainless steel 5960 variant with a dynamic black dial and red chronograph hand, however by early 2018 the stainless steel reference was disconnected.

The steel reference 5960 models have a sporty modern appeal, and with the double complication of chronograph and annual calendar it is a watch suited to active enthusiasts. The annual calendar was first released by Patek Philippe in 1996 as a time only model, and unlike its more complicated perpetual calendar watch, it was a less expensive timepiece, which only needed adjustment once a year in February. The annual calendar became a popular complication, and over time the brand added the chronograph function in 2006. The reference 5960 is still available today, offered however only in platinum or white gold. The dial colour changed over time from grey to white, blue and black, but the iconic “bulls-eye” design at the 6 o’clock position has remained the same, with the chronograph’s 30-minute and one-hour counters situated coaxially on top of each other.

The present example is preserved in excellent condition, and complete with its original Certificate of Origin and presentation box. The black dial version was produced for a very short period and is thus very rare. Phillips offered the first example of this model in the landmark Phillips & Blackbird: Sports thematic auction on 27 May 2019 in Hong Kong. This fresh-to-the-market, flyback chronograph annual calendar watch is sure to please collectors who appreciate Patek Philippe’s long history with complicated timepieces.