BaselWorld 2014 has so far given us two offerings from Patek Philippe in a year they will be celebrating their 175th Anniversary. We hear d earlier in the year that Patek had “discontinued” quite a few of their chronograph movements, two of which were the 5980 and the 5960. The most surprising watch out of those two that we heard about was the 5960 as it was only at BaselWorld 2013 that Patek released a few more variations of the already magnificent looking watch. Another surprise from the Annual Calendar chronograph came this morning when a Stainless Steel version on a bracelet was announced with a white dial the 5960/1A. Up until now the 5960 had only been executed in precious metals with only Rose Gold and Platinum being the alloys of choice for the magnificent time piece. Early indications show this already is a favourite amongst watch fanatics and with a rough guide price of £33,200 this could be a gap in the market Patek needed to fill compared to their much higher priced precious metal models.
The second offering from Patek Philippe replaces the 5980/1A and does so with style, adding more to its arsenal and instantly being recognisable as a whole lot of watch! The 5990/1A features four complications in all which are a split second chronograph, date, day/night indicator and travel time. The rest of the watch stays quite familiar with the case, bracelet and dial staying the same as its predecessor. With the newly added complications, Patek have placed in front of us a watch that is actually of good use as an everyday item. The Aquanaut we saw a couple of years ago now was another example of an everyday tool for the everyday traveller however the size and strap did not suit everyone. The 5990/1A offers wearers both durability and desirability.
We are still not through with Patek Philippe for BaselWorld2014 and we hope to see more exceptional watches on offer as part of the celebrations having reached their 175th Birthday. Stay tuned with us at Cheshire Watch Company as we bring you information straight from the show.