Launched at Baselworld 2015, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5905P took the place of the previous precious metal iterations of the Ref. 5960. Although a tad larger with a slight update in its overall styling, the Ref. 5905P is not just simply a larger and simplified variant of the Ref. 5960, it is its own watch in almost every way. Let me tell you why.
Encased within a full platinum case that measures 42mm x 14.03mm, the Ref. 5905P still manages to sit comfortably on the wrist despite its seemingly thick profile. I reckon this is probably attributed to the way the case is dramatically tapered and paired with a concave bezel. If you look closer at the side profile of this case, you will also notice that the case flanks are beautifully sculpted which adds a touch of dimensionality to the Ref. 5905P. With this winning combination, I am happy to report that the Ref. 5905P could still slip under any shirt cuff without any issues, no problem. Of course, this being a contemporary platinum Patek Philippe also means that you will find a white Wesselton diamond, beautifully set in between the lugs at 6 o ‘clock.
As we move on to the dial side of the Ref. 5905P, you will very quickly realize that this isn’t just a stripped-down version of the previous Ref. 5960. The ebony gray-black sunburst dial on the Ref. 5905P exudes a certain degree of refined complexity and sophistication, something I think Patek Philippe nailed flawlessly with this reference. After all, it features a metallic rendition of the Maison’s legendary sector dial design with a day, date, and month window aperture (all with matching color discs!) all indicated respectively at 10, 12, and 2 o ‘clock positions. Around the graduated minute track are applied polished white gold indices, paired with tri-faceted dauphine hands with luminous material at the center to match. Additionally, you will also find a 60-minute counter at the 6 o ‘clock position with a tiny day/night indicator. All of these well-executed design elements combine together to create a strong and ultra-clean aesthetic which makes the Ref. 5905P a dynamic modern timepiece, and just absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.
As for the business end of the Ref. 5905P, powering this mechanical art from within is Patek Philippe’s in-house, 37-jeweled Cal. CH-28-520 QA 24H which beats at 28,800 vph and boasts up to 55 hours of power reserve. It features Patek’s proprietary Spiromax hairspring and Gyromax free-sprung balance, a 21-carat gold oscillating rotor at the center, and a myriad of traditional finishing techniques consisting of highly-polished screw heads, beveled edges, Geneva stripes, circular dressage on the main plate and more. Furthermore, the flyback chronograph function of the movement is actuated by a column wheel with a vertical clutch.
For all of the reasons I have elaborated above, this particular Patek Philippe Ref. 5905P Annual Calendar Chronograph right here is, in my mind, a compelling and exceptional horological masterpiece that could easily be considered to be grail worthy and a classic in any era. Is it a worthy successor to the previous Ref. 5960? Only time will tell, but if you ask me to name a contemporary Patek Philippe reference that befits the “tall, dark, and handsome” description, this watch would be somewhere near the top of my list, for sure.
