Description

An annual calendar is the less complicated sibling of the perpetual calendar and only requires one calendar adjustment every year.
In 1996, Patek Philippe released the world’s first annual calendar wristwatch, the reference 5035J. This was followed up by the gorgeous Ref: 5036/1J in 1998 and then came the Gondolo Calendrio Ref: 5135Rintroduced in 2004. In 2005, two more models were added to the line-up, namely Ref: 5146J and Ref: 4936G (the brand’s first ladies’ annual calendar). 2006 saw the launch of the mighty Ref: 5960P. This was the first self-winding fly-back chronograph with annual calendar. In 2014, Patek introduced a stainless steel version with a white dial and an integrated bracelet, which was followed by a black dial in 2017, and then in 2018, both were discontinued. Today the reference 5960 is one of the most sought after modern annual calendar chronograph watches from Patek Philippe.

A surprise win. A celebration timepiece. It’s a GOAL!

The present 5960/1A-011 is a special version of the steel reference. This was created in 2016 on the request of a VIP collector, Mr Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the late owner of Leicester City FC.  It features striking yellow and blue hands for the chronograph functions instead of the standard version’s red. The crystal on the  case-back is adorned with an engraved fox, the mascotte of the English football club. While the exact number of pieces produced is unknown, it is estimated to be limited to a few dozen, given to reward the players among other gifts such as sport cars.

This rarity features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, measuring 14mm in thickness with a stepped, concave bezel and a slightly domed sapphire crystal. The dial layout is superbly detailed with the date, date and month displayed in individual apertures across the upper periphery of the dial, with a power reserve indicator just under 12 ‘oclock. The chronograph hours and minutes are measured within the mono-counterat 6 o’clock, which also hosts a day and night indicator.

On the inside is Patek’s first in-house self-winding chronograph caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H featuring a 18K gold rotor and offering a 55-hr power reserve. It is a highly efficient modern movement featuring a freesprung balance and a Breguet overcoil, making it resistant to both shock and position variations. It also features a rotor with un-lubricated ceramic bearings making the winding an extremely versatile and low-maintenance. The finishing though is very traditional on this movement featuring the Geneva stripes on the rotor and the bridges, which have beveled edges, polished counter sinks and black polished screw-heads. This rare beauty here features the PP seal of quality.

This extremely rare edition comes on a chic integrated five-line ‘rice-bead’ link bracelet and is offered with its original warranty certificate and box.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.