Top Quality Patek Philippe Complications 5960/1A-001 Steel Replica Watch

Sense and sensibility

Angus Davies is reminded of a Jane Austen novel as he holds the Patek Philippe Complications 5960/1A-001 watch replica  in his hands. This in-depth watch replica review appraises an interesting timepiece which pairs a chronograph with an annual calendar, all delivered in a stylish stainless steel case. I recently enjoyed a sojourn in Geneva, visiting the Patek Philippe Salon on rue du Rhône and fell under the spell of the Ref 5960/1A-001. This model was released at Baselworld 2014 and combines an annual calendar with a chronograph, stylishly housed in a stainless steel case.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001 - in-depth watch replica review by ESCAPEMENT

 

Both of these incredibly complicated watches are shining examples of the brand’s expertise. The complexity of the movements is only matched by the flawless finishing of each component. These watches are exceptional and I applaud the creativity of the brand both today and back in the 1920s, when Mr Graves’ watch replica was conceived. Nevertheless, my favourite Patek Philippe of 2014 is a far more modest affair.

In recent weeks much of the world’s watch replica press has focused upon Patek Philippe, the prestigious patek philippe Complications chronograph copy watch replica brand. Firstly, the company revealed the truly remarkable Patek Philippe Ref 5175R-001 equipped with 20 complications, released to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the company. Secondly, much interest was garnered by the auction of the Henry Graves Jr. Supercomplication pocket watch replica sold by Sotheby’s in Geneva on the 11th November for a colossal $24 million.

 

The dial

The silvery opaline dial is strikingly clear, making the interpretation of time quick and simple. The hour and minute hands are grey and feature luminescent fill. Blackened gold is used for the applied hour markers and aperture surrounds, infusing the design with an air of modernity.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001 - in-depth watch replica review by ESCAPEMENT

The date on the first day of the month is depicted in red, matching the colour of the central chronograph seconds hand. The variation introduced by the red numeral delivers a measured amount of ebullience. Other dates are presented in black. This splash of unexpected colour is atypical of Patek Philippe and may not appeal to traditionalists, but I adore it. Indeed, there are repeated examples of courageous design on this model which delivers something fresh and new, albeit this may not be appreciated by all of the brand’s clientele.

A power-reserve indicator is positioned below the date display.

Initially, I thought a normal bi-compax layout would prove easier to interpret, but such thoughts were soon dispelled with repeated use.At 6 o’clock, two chronograph registers are presented in concentric form with a 60-minute register sitting within a 12-hour chronograph counter.

There is no deliberations about the ease in which they convey information, everything is crystal clear and eminently simple to understand.In the upper area of the dial, three apertures reveal the day, date and month.

The case

While stainless steel cases can be found on some Nautilus and Aquanaut models, the majority of Patek Philippe watches feature cases made of noble metals.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001 - in-depth watch replica review by ESCAPEMENT

Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001 - in-depth watch replica review by ESCAPEMENT

The decision to equip this watch replica with a stainless steel case signals an intention by the brand to appeal to a younger audience. Moreover, a steel bracelet represents a departure from the majority of the company’s catalogue of models. However, by adopting this approach, Patek Philippe has imbued this watch replica with a notable degree of practicality, making it perfect for daily use.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001 - in-depth watch replica review by ESCAPEMENT

There is a delightful tactility to the bracelet with its “drop” links design. Each surface feels ultra-smooth and delivers a cosseting feel when worn. The shape of each bracelet link causes differing interactions with light, augmenting its visual appeal.

The chronograph push pieces are neat and reward the wearer with a pleasingly positive action. The combination of a column-wheel with a vertical clutch provides a welcome velvet-like feel to the push pieces and obviates the risk of any stutter when the chronograph is actuated.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001 - in-depth watch replica review by ESCAPEMENT

Patek Philippe has expended much effort on the Calibre CH-28 520 IRM QA 24H and thankfully the brand shares the fruits of its endeavour with the wearer courtesy of a sapphire case back.

The movement

The quality of Patek Philippe movements is legendary and the Calibre CH-28 520 IRM QA 24H proves to be no exception. The self-winding movement is stunning with sumptuous finishing which deserves praise.

The finishing of each visible bridge is breathtaking, with the chamfered edges and polished sinks exhibiting a brilliant gleam.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001 - in-depth watch replica review by ESCAPEMENT

Patek Philippe has equipped this movement with a silicon balance spring, drawing on the latest state of the art watchmaking know-how. However, fine, time-served craftsmanship is still much in evidence.

Closing remarks

The Ref. 5960/1A provokes lots of thoughts.

The convenience of an annual calendar paired with a column-wheel chronograph, delivered in a user-friendly, simple to interpret timepiece appeals to my sensibilities.The gorgeous dial, practical case and exquisite bracelet harmoniously blend to form a captivating horological form.

However, I appreciate watches which can be worn every day without fear of damaging the irreplaceable.I love the mastery of numerous skills necessary to bring a highly complicated watch replica to fruition. It seems to make more sense. 5960/1A is not destined for only occasional wear or a life in a museum, it is practical and can grace the arm on a daily basis and for this reason it offers more appeal to me personally. The Ref.

When a brand is relatively young it can afford to be brave, sometimes releasing an avant-garde watch replica with revolutionary styling. The risk of alienating a loyal customer base is very real. Thankfully, Patek Philippe has chosen to be brave, releasing a model which is quite different from other models in its collection but which remains true to the company’s DNA. Make no mistake, this may be a contemporary timepiece, appealing to a younger audience, but it is definitely a Patek. However, Patek Philippe is different. With 175 years of history, there is a huge responsibility not to confuse the model range with timepieces which don’t appear to belong.

Technical Specification

  • Model: Patek Philippe Ref 5960/1A-001
  • Case: Stainless steel; diameter 40.5 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
  • Functions: Hours; minutes; day; date; month; day/night indication; annual calendar; chronograph; power-reserve indicator
  • Movement: Calibre CH-28 520 IRM QA 24H, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 40 jewels; power reserve 45 hours minimum / 55 hours maximum; 456 components.
  • Bracelet: Steel bracelet with fold-over clasp
  • The Ref 5960/1A is a fascinating watch replica and unlike the novel by Jane Austen, it is no work of fiction but very real and brilliant outcome of talented artisans working together to deliver a refreshingly styled, attractive and practical patek philippe complications replica timepiece.