Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Patek Philippe 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph, Now in Blue Enamel
Patek's stunning Split-Seconds Chronograph comes back in a new, blue-toned version.
Patek and the chronograph complication is a long-lasting love story. The brand has been manufacturing stopwatches almost since its inception… And when it comes to chronographs, there’s one type that rules them all, the Split-Seconds or rattrapante, the King of chrono watches. This a complication that Patek masters since 1923 – surprisingly first built in a women’s watch. The current collection comprises multiple ‘splits’, one of them being seen as a collector’s grail, the Patek Philippe 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph; which makes its comeback in 2020 with this new blue enamel version.
Background
The 5370P was introduced at Baselworld 2015 and was an immediate success – it is, according to many, including us here at MONOCHROME, one of the most beautiful Patek watches currently produced. The reason lies in multiple things; the execution, the movement and, let’s be honest, the design. The 5370P is greatly inspired by 1940s to 1960s split-seconds chronographs by Patek – to be precise, some of the ref. 1563 (for the dial and the hands) and the ref. 1436 for the case (especially the lugs with a cabochon) and the pushers. We’ve seen worse lineage.
This watch is also important for several reasons. Just like the Patek Ref. 5270 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph to include the modern hand-wound, in-house chronograph movement, the Patek Philippe Ref 5370 is the first split-seconds chronograph to be based on this manufacture calibre. It is also the first two-pusher split-seconds chronograph since the ref. 1463, as most Patek rattrapante models after that were single-pusher watches.
First launched in platinum with a black enamel dial, the Patek Philippe 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph is now offered in a new edition, still with a platinum case but now with a blue enamel dial and strap – somehow following the style of the recently launched 5172G chronograph.
The 2020 reference 5370P-011
As often with Patek, this new reference is a mid-life evolution of an existing model, only changing the colours, not the mechanics or the specifications. What’s not officially specified by the brand is if this blue enamel edition ref. 5370P-011 replaces the black ref. 5370P-001. However, by Patek’s standards, expect the black model to be discontinued and only the blue version to be available.
The new 5370P retains its subtly complex case, measuring 41mm in diameter and 13.56mm in height. It is still crafted from 950 platinum, thus featuring a small diamond between the lugs at 6 o’clock. The case appears relatively simple and discreet at first, with a typically Patek concave bezel. The sides of the case are far more interesting, with recessed areas that are satin-finished by hand and the lugs feature a polished cabochon at their tips. Refined and elegant. The rectangular pushers are perfectly integrated into this caseband and the crown features a co-axial split-seconds button.
Main novelty for 2020, the 5370P replaces its glossy black enamel dial for another grand feu enamel face, now in blue. Obtained from a solid 18k gold plate, this dial retains its glossy surface, the applied white gold Breguet numerals, the white gold leaf-shaped hands with luminous inserts and the silvery-white tracks and inscriptions. The ‘EMAIL’ mention is also retained at 6 o’clock – émail meaning enamel in French (and not electronic mail…)
The blue dial is bringing a slight touch of modernity to this timeless design, which is reinforced by the matching blue alligator strap with a glossy finish. It is closed by a 950 platinum fold-over clasp with the Calatrava cross logo.
Inside the case, no evolution either. The Patek Philippe 5370P-011 still relies on the superb in-house calibre CHR 29-535 PS. This movement is a great mix between traditional solutions – manual winding, horizontal clutch, dual column wheel – and modern solutions. Indeed, it carries 6 patents regarding the toothing profile, the adjustment of the mesh depth, the synchronization of the clutch brake and the chronograph hammers. This movement runs at a 4Hz frequency and boasts a comfortable power reserve of 65h minimum. The decoration is top-notch, with polished, bevelled or grained surfaces, gold chatons, Geneva stripes, polished column wheel caps…
Price and availability
The Patek Philippe 5370P-011 Split-Seconds Chronograph will be, like the black edition, available in the permanent collection, however, produced in low quantities. It will be priced at EUR 238,680.
More details at patek.com.
