The Patek Philippe Flyback Annual Calendar Flyback Chronograph 5960 is a significant model in the brand’s history—not just for its complexity, but for its role in ushering in a new era of in-house chronograph production.
Introduced in 2006, the 5960 marked Patek Philippe’s first timepiece to feature both a self-winding, in-house chronograph movement and an annual calendar.
Over the years, the 5960 has seen several variations in materials, dial colors, and design nuances over the years. In this blog, we will review the history, evolution, and market value of the Patek Philippe Flyback Chronograph 5960.
Patek Philippe’s First In-House Movement
In 2006, Patek Philippe debuted their Flyback Annual Calendar Flyback Chronograph 5960. It was a significant milestone for the brand, as it marked Patek Philippe’s first timepiece to feature both a self-winding, in-house chronograph movement and an annual calendar—all in one watch.
The 5960 was designed to showcase Patek’s growing independence in movement manufacturing, and to meet growing collector demand for technically sophisticated complications that could also serve as a daily wear. Many watch companies prefer to use in-house movements as a huge selling point, allowing for a premium.Making in-house movements also allowed Patek to have more control over the design and manufacturing process of their watches, meaning they could make more unique watches with the highest quality control possible.
Patek Philippe 5960 Annual Calendar Flyback Chronograph
The 2006 debut Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Flyback Chronograph 5960P was a 40.5 mm platinum watch that paired a matte anthracite grey dial and red/blue accents on the dial. It was an aesthetically pleasing sports model, with calendar windows at the top of the dial and a mono-counter wheel at 6 o’clock which consolidated the 60-minute and 12-hour chronograph registers.
The case was paired with a leather strap, balancing the sporty and dressy look. Flipping the watch around would showcase a stunning exhibition caseback.
It, of course, featured their first in-house CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H movement—which was responsible for integrating the flyback chronograph, annual calendar, day/night indicator, and power reserve display.
It was both a technical and aesthetic triumph.
Patek 5960 was produced in limited numbers for only one year, so it is a very limited and rare watch to come by.
This watch has a market value anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000!
Patek Philippe 5960R (Rose Gold)
In 2009, Patek Philippe introduced an updated 5960R, with a slight change to the dial.
The upper half of the dial remained essentially the same, with a slight aesthetic change made to the mono-counter. The watch overall has a less sporty and more refined aesthetic, while retaining the red accents on the subdial.
The 5960R came with a few variations, including dial variations in white, black, and grey and leather strap options in black and brown. This was clearly meant to be a more fashion-focused watch than its predecessor, and certainly looks like a watch that you’d see on the wrists of businessmen at a country club.
However, it does have a slightly lower market value than the 5960. One 5960R was sold at auction by Christie’s in early 2025 for just over $35,000, but other models are available for purchase online for around $50,000!
Patek Philippe 5960/1A (Stainless Steel)
In 2014, Patek Philippe released the 5960/1A, this time a stainless steel variation.
This watch has a sportier, more contemporary design that is appealing to modern watch collectors. It features a black or white dial with black oxidized gold hands and hour markers.
This model had a white and black dial variation, with a range in market value. One black dial reference selling for $105,000 by Phillips Hong Kong, while other models are available for as low as $40,000 online.
Patek Philippe 5960G (White Gold)
The 5960G was launched in 2017, and would be the final model of the collection. It was designed with an 18k white gold case and blue dial. This update would feature a bolder design on the dial, with large white hour makers and red accents on the dial.
Patek Philippe would go on to make a few variants of this model, including some produced in rose gold.
One Tiffany dial variation went up for auction by Christie’s and sold for $63,000, however many different models are listed online for $50,000 to $75,000.
At the end of 2017, stainless steel and rose gold versions were discontinued and are very sought-after on the secondary market.
Patek Philippe 5905 Takes Over
Patek Philippe has since discontinued their 5960 line in favor of their 5905 line, but the 5960 holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and watch enthusiasts.
The Patek Philippe 5960 Annual Calendar Flyback Chronograph not only marked the shift of the brand producing their own in-house movements, but also pushed the brand to produce more complicated and aesthetically pleasing pieces.
They remain available on the market and appear in auctions to this day, showing that the watch remains a classic piece.
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