5960P-016 capsule landed

[Vasco]

Hi all,

I'm glad to share with you (for the 600th post :p) something I've been looking at for years but never decided to make the move for, the black dial 5960P-016.

I've always been very attracted by the 5960P for its features but also the look (especially the grey version). Lately, with a softer "traditional" pieces market, I decided to take the plunge. Like the Nautilus, it's the kind of watches you are tempted to get several versions from. The grey one is a strap monster, perfect combination between classical and casual. However, this black one has something I find unique and its dial, a little matte, has a very appealing modern touch that doesn't show well on pictures.

To sum-up, adding to the concave bezel's shape (a detail I've been loving for years) and the platinum case, which is always a nice detail in Patek's collections, the watch gathers the functions that, to me, makes that watch the best value for money (especially in the grey version which is a steal). A Flyback chronograph (which can "inconveniently" serve as a second time zone), the Annual Calendar and a power reserve (I use a lot as I don't wear it fully during the day).

The 28-520 (first in-house automatic chronograph from PP) in this spec brings a chronograph which is:
- “Flyback” (hence can be reset without being stopped first);
- has a column-wheel feature (many vertical clutch chronographs don’t, as they are activated with cams) that provides a smoother activation feel (though far from the manual 29-535/27-70 feel);
- and, thanks to the vertical-clutch design:
.gets rid of the little “hand-jump” during the start (when the 2 wheels mesh together);
.brings impovement in terms of wear: the two disks stick to one another instead of teeth “colliding” together while running;
.brings improvement regarding energy loss: less amplitude loss compared to a classic horizontally coupled chronograph.

This is why Patek claims the chrono function can also be used as a permanently running seconds hand without risking undue wear and without affecting too much the rate accuracy or the power reserve of the watch.

Not a strap monster as black dials are often hard to pair with colors but black suits it very well. Cheers!