Today, which is press day at Baselworld, Patek Philippe introduced a new, steel version of its Annual Calendar Chronograph, Ref. 5960, a complication that was originally introduced in 2006 in a platinum case. Outside the Nautilus and Aquanaut collections, there are few steel Patek Philippe watches – “it is only 20% of our volume, because when you produce a limited number of movements, you have to favor the precious metals,” says international marketing director Jasmina Steele. That alone makes this a collector’s item.
The movement, automatic Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H, is unchanged, as is the case (except that it is now stainless steel), but the dial has been refurbished and the bracelet, also steel, is new for the brand. It is called the “drop” style because the links resemble raindrops.
Inside the 12-hour counter scale at 6 o’clock are two concentric chronograph minute scales, one counting 0 to 30 and the other, 30 to 60). There are prominent Day, Date and Month indications, outlined in blackened gold. The first day of the month is displayed in red and the rest in black. There is also a power reserve indicator and day/night indications. The watch has a 45-hour power reserve.
