In 2014 Patek Philippe - founded in 1839 - turned 175 years old. A restricted selection of commemorative pieces were released as limited editions, among which the present reference 5975.

One of only 400 pieces made, the present watch is fresh to the market and offered by its original owner. A marriage of tradition and modernity, it features a generous 40mm case of very complex construction, defined by the heavily stepped lugs. The design of its chronographic complication harkens back to the multi-scale chronographs of the first half of the 20th century. Devoid of a minute counter, it is effectively a 1-minute chronograph, thus intended to be used only in conjunction with the multi-scale dial to measure either speed (tachymeter scale), distance (telemeter scale) or heartbeats (pulsometer scale). The fact that such an utilitarian complication is found on such an elegant watch, and an Anniversary piece on top of that, betrays a surprising amount of irony, quite unusual considered the brand.

The present piece is furthermore distinguished by being in practically "as new" condition, and by the fact that it is one of the very first examples delivered, on November 12, 2014: about a month after the model was announced - together with the other Anniversary models - in October.