Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Flyback Chronograph

In 1991, the soon-to-be graduates at the Geneva School of Engineering were presented with their final project prior to receiving their diploma — simplify the perpetual calendar. Although the task was easier said than done, their work led to the inception of the annual calendar complication, patented by Patek in collaboration with the bright engineering minds at the GSE. Five years later, Patek debuted the Reference 5035 which marked the world’s first-ever annual calendar movement and finally bridged the gap between a triple date function and the formidable quantième perpétuel. This piece transports us forward to the present day and is a handsome modern interpretation of the Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar, with an added bonus - a flyback chronograph function! Designated as a Reference 5960R-011, this lovely timepiece features a 40.5mm 18K rose gold case with sculpted, contoured lugs, a polished concave bezel, pump pushers and a signed crown. Its luminous silver dial features rose gold applied indices and displays a set of day-date-month apertures, as well as a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and a multifunction subsidiary 60-minute and 12-hour ‘monocounter’ chronograph register at the 6 o'clock position. The back side features an exhibition caseback, providing a window to admire the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 IRM and its 21k gold winding rotor. This stunner comes fitted to a signed brown alligator strap with a matching 18k signed deployant clasp. It is also accompanied by its inner and outer box set, leather folio, books, and a Certificate of Origin dated 2012. There’s no doubt that Patek's steel sports watch offerings have hogged the limelight in recent years, but let us not forget the exquisite, high-complication heavy-hitters hiding in plain sight! With this 5960 on your wrist, you certainly won't!