5905P. Rarely a Patek Philippe reference has had such suitable number. Because in many ways I consider the 5905P as a mix between the 5960 to which it succeeds and the 5205 from which it found a part of its inspiration. It also demonstrates that Patek Philippe still considers the annual calendar complication as useful and worthwhile enough to continue to add  it a chronograph function. Indeed, the brands that combine these two complications are very rare. In addition to Patek Philippe which started this rare gathering with the 5960, Zenith and Carl.F.Bucherer come to mind without forgetting Breitling in the context of a leap year calendar. The unveiling of a new Annual Calendar Chronograph timepiece is therefore a true event and the 5905P is no exception to the rule.

Neither the 5960 nor the 5205 inspired the nice main hands:



If the 5960 remains in the catalog through the stainless steel model presented in 2014 and the set bezel version (the 5961P), the platinum version is replaced by the 5905P in a different aesthetic context. In fact, the 5905P adopts an almost opposite approach to that which guided the creation of the 5960. This latest,  which symbolized the launching of the in-house automatic chronograph movement was distinguished by its original dial lay-out. If we were used to the windows which draw a kind of "fan" on the upper part dedicated to the calendar data, the  minutes and hours monocounter occupying the whole lower area was however much more unexpected. It explained a large part of the success of the 5960 even if personally, I have never been impressed by its convenience and legibility. The dial was completed by a very discrete power reserve indicator just below the date window and a day & night display located inside the monocounter. Thanks to its contemporary and more casual appearance, the 5960 occupied a special place in the Patek Philippe collection.

The 5905P does some clean sweep of all these considerations. We say goodbye to the monocounter and the power reserve indicator. Goodbye to the monocounter color contrasting with the background of the dial. Goodbye to the pump-style pushers replaced by rectangular ones which are more consistent in this context. The priority is to come back to a more classic style and to improve the legibility of the whole data. In fact, the mission is accomplished. The lower counter is now entirely dedicated to display the chronograph minutes with a simpler and more accurate reading. The withdrawal of the power reserve indicator makes the dial cleaner and the latter becomes more elegant but at the same time, more impersonal.

The day and night display, used to set the calendar data is still located inside the counter:



The dial lay-out of the 5960:




I touch here the paradox related to this watch. By purifying the style and correcting some reproaches made in respect of the 5960, Patek Philippe may have pushed the slider too far by proposing without any doubt a flawless watch but with less character than the one to which it succeeds. The question is to know if the benefits justified the effort. After all, the catalog already contains many very classic and "quiet, aesthetically speaking" references. But if we think about this strategic move, everything becomes clear. The 5905P reaffirms the skills of Patek Philippe in the calendar - chronograph watches while highlighting the originality and the less formal side of the 5960 / 1A which seems now to be located light years from the style of the new watch. It was therefore important for Patek Philippe to create this aesthetic and functional  gap between these two references. By offering in its collection around the gathering of the annual calendar and the chronograph complications a bold watch and another one much more resonable, Patek Philippe demonstrates once again the extreme diversity of its catalog.



Of course, the withdrawal of complications compared to the 5960 can't be considered as satisfactory in a pure horological contents point of view. I confess that I miss more the power reserve indicator than the hours totalizer of the chronograph because I've always found it very convenient with the 5960 and particularly well integrated on the dial. But some may also regret the chronograph hours hand!  From time to time, the monocounter was even used as a second time zone display by starting the chronograph at the right time. It is now no longer possible. And in any case, 5960 or 5905P, the problem of the lack of the permanent second hand remains. I always think it is a nice feature, even not mandatory because I use it as a work indicator and it animates the dial. Those who want to enjoy the animation provided by the second hand must start the chronograph and make it run continuously.


Despite my previous comments, It would be wrong to perceive the 5905P as a very classy and quiet evolution of the 5960 only. It benefits from the 5205 case to gain subtlety and modernity. The greatest achievement of the 5205 is in my opinion its case which is beautifully designed with its concave bezel and hollowed lugs, displaying sensual curves. The case keeps its magic in the context of the 5905P despite the size increase (42mm diameter against 40mm for the 5205). Such size may scare Patek Philippe lovers who have a preference for traditional diameters. But it is precisely the interest of such case. The opening of the dial is controlled without using a thick bezel which would have burdened the design. The 5905P appears to be smaller than it is actually when put on the wrist. Its thickness (14,03mm) which is nevertheless not insignificant is not shocking thanks to the curves of the case and the role, once again significant, of the shape of the bezel.



Without any surprise, the 5905P is powered by the caliber CH 28-520 QA 24H composed of a basic movement, the automatic chronograph and the annual calendar module. The module is wider than the base movement (3mm more) and it provides a balanced lay-out of the dial. I find again obviously the usual characteristics and performances of CH 28-520 like the Gyromax balance, the Spiromax spiral, a 4hz frequency, a power reserve between 45 and 55 hours and a flyback chronograph with a column wheel and a vertical clutch . It is as always very nicely decorated without unnecessary effect. I like the continuity of the circular Côtes de Genève on the bridges that combine with those of the winding mass. The light feeling of depth is also nice to observe and the full movement, if not truly spectacular, is neat and refined.



The 5905P, available in two versions with blue or black brass dial, is ultimately an attractive watch. A first analysis could make us regret the removal of functions compared to the 5960 and the approach based on a risk-free style. Fortunately, the sublime case of the 5205 is back in action in this larger and thicker context and definitely it gives another dimension to the 5905P. I found it however less versatile than its predecessor from  the aesthetic point of view, much more leaning towards a formal style while the 5960 remains at ease in all circumstances.



Pros:
+ The gorgeous case whose curves make us forget the size and the thickness of the watch
+ The legibility of the dial
+ The efficient movement CH 28-520 QA 24H, very nice to use on a daily basis
+ The aesthetic coherence of the full watch that gives the impression of being in front of an enlarged 5205

Cons:
- The removal of two functions (the power reserve indicator and the hours totalizer ) compared to the 5960
- The lack of a permanent second hand
- A less versatile  style than the 5960