Patek Philippe 5370P-011 – The New Split-Seconds Chronograph in Blue
For means of being transparent, this article must start with a confession: the author of this story is not exactly unbiased. Blue, in all its many shades, is his colour – starting with his admiring view of the oceans, and not ending with a slowly but surely exuberant selection of jackets and shirts in every conceivable shade of blue. An already outstanding watch such as the new Patek Philippe 5370P-011, the highly exclusive split-seconds chronograph, now presented in blue, will be welcomed with open arms.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Default. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
This taste for blue is indeed undeniably common in the horological world. After all, blue watches have been on trend for years, not only in Hanseatic merchant cities, but also in the Asian market.
However, the reference 5370P does not necessarily have to appeal to the taste of the masses. Not only because of its price, which is around 236,000 euros, is it a niche model by nature. Rather, since Patek Philippe only produces the platinum model upon application and in very small quantities (a very low double-digit number of pieces per year, or so rumour has it), it is – and remains – something for connoisseurs and the highest league of Patek Philippe collectors.
The blue version is replacing the original 5370P-001, which was introduced in black in 2015, and was enthusiastically received by collectors and experts at that time. It offered the best and most beautiful of the Patek Philippe world, and the enamel dial alone, baked at 850 degrees Celsius and polished for hours, was received with the utmost delight. Combined with Breguet numerals and housed in a 41 mm case, the unanimous opinion was that such an attractive Grande Complication had not been seen for a long time.
Reference 5370P-001 in black from 2015
The new blue 5370P is in no way inferior to it; the contrast between the heavenly radiant blue, white-gold numerals and white tachymeter scale and subdials make it extremely easy to read. The luminous “Grand Feu” dial makes it a somewhat more sporty shade than its maximally elegant black predecessor 5370 – if such a thing can be said about such a classic watch.
But here, too, the dial is enamel (a rarity in the Patek world) and the case, with its satin-finished sides and concave bezel, is beautifully finished. The only thing more beautiful is the view of the movement through the sapphire crystal back.
Inner values: The Split-Seconds Chronograph Movement
The caliber used is CHR 29-535 PS, a movement with a classic configuration with a horizontal coupling clutch. The split-second function is controlled by the two chronograph pushers and the pusher in the crown for the rattrapante (“catch-up”) function. The movement is distinguished by its outstanding quality, with a maximum deviation of 3 seconds per day.
In general, drag pointer chronograph movements are regarded as an especially complex category of watchmaking. However, it should not be forgotten that other models with this function (for example at IWC) can be obtained for a fraction of the 5370 price. However, what these other models cannot do is display the finesse and haute horlogerie finishings of this Patek Philippe, which uses a calibre that is considered to be one of the best chronograph movements in the world, and which, with its numerous innovations, makes the stopping process as precise and fluid as possible.
Comparing the movement (calibre CHR 29‑535 PS) of the 5370P to the movement (calibre CH 29‑535 PS Q) of the 5270J from the open caseback side, following can be noted: The split-seconds chronograph (5370P) looks more complex then the chronograph movement with perpetual calendar (5270J). Furthermore, the movement of the 5270J with its 456 components has a diameter of 32 mm and a height of 7 mm, whereas the 5370P with 312 components measures 29,6 mm diameter and even 7,1 mm in height. One would expect that two complications (perpetual calendar & chronograph) take up more space then a split-seconds chronograph, because it also needs more components.
The reason is that both references are built upon the same base calibre, but the split-seconds chronograph is more complex then a classical chronograph, as it needs a second start-stop mechanism. And through the caseback of both references only the two different chronograph mechanisms become visible, whereas the calendar module is not displayed. As for the split-seconds chronograph, a second chronograph is built on top of the basic mechanism and this actually takes up more space in its construction then a classical chronograph with perpetual calendar. The bigger diameter of the 5270J movement is due to the calendar module.
The Meaning: Patek Philippe Remains Unpredictable
The COVID-19-year, 2020, has fully changed the world of watches. At Patek Philippe, however, the same still essentially applies: the clear view into a crystal ball to predict what the Stern family plans to present in terms of new products can be safely sidestepped. Some people may have speculated that the new chronograph 5172 presented last year (also in blue) might be available in another color variant. Or that in these unsettled times, one might be more interested in entering the Patek-Philippe world at a lower price, and perhaps present a novelty in the Calatrava range once again.
Reference 5172 in blue from 2019
But in Geneva, Patek Philippe are instead cultivating the absolute top of the collection, with the new perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 5270J, with the 5303R and, of course, with the now blue 5370P-011. It is a new interpretation that is sure to delight collectors. And the fact that the black 5370P-001 is no longer in production also ensures that this model, which is produced so rarely, is certain to maintain its high value, not to mention its appeal and prestige.
The Florentine watchmaker Panerai is introducing the Panerai Luminor Blu Mare 44 mm – PAM01085. The model aims for a hybrid of authentic and avant-garde design. While the new watch also evokes the clean lines of the 90s Luminor models, the name 'Blu Mare' references the brand's marine heritage. Powering it is a mechanical, manually…
Whenever Raphael Nadal sweeps across the court for hours again while wearing his Richard Mille watch, the sportsman doesn’t have to care any longer about damage that might be caused by overwinding. Thanks to Richard Milles newest invention: a declutching rotor system. Given that the Richard Mille testimonial already owns one of the only 100…
What we spotted on YouTube this morning, is a great example of how self-ironic and contemporary the watch industry can be. It is probably the most amusing idea on demonstrating the merits of a mechanical watch, that a brand published in a long time: An elderly smart dressed gent seeks advice about a smartwatch in a…
GMT-Master II Ref. 126710BLNR Last year, Rolex caused a small sensation with the return of the GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ (Ref. 126710 BLRO) and its long-awaited steel version. Will the brand score another coup with an unexpected novelty this year? There is no need – why should they not built upon a reliable product and instead…
How the Black Bay lives on through its most popular diver’s watch If he were alive today, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf would be tremendously proud to see the legacy of his life’s work in the 21st century. Temporarily removing Rolex from the picture, he would have been equally proud to discover how its sister brand,…
From the picturesque La Côte-aux-Fées with its lush green pastures to the dazzling fashion capital of Paris – within 150 years, the watchmaking workshop founded by Georges-Édourard Piaget on his family’s farm has come a long way. An established institution for haute horlogerie and haute joaillerie, Piaget has been manufacturing countless elaborate pieces for more…
As any watch enthusiast will know, it is often not just the aesthetic of a watch that enamours us: it's the story behind it. Cue the Reverso Travelling Collection, which is currently making a stop at Jaeger-LeCoultre's boutique on the prestigious shopping street Maximilianstrasse in Munich. The story behind the Reverso is a tale well-told,…
As was the case last year, the 2020 CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet line breaks numerous boundaries, but everyone knows that when it comes to Audemars Piguet, the line still isn't the star of the show. But does that mean it can't become an iconic part of the watchmaker's portfolio in the future? Audemars Piguet…
Did you know that in regards to the world time-zones, the Russian capital Moscow recently has shifted one hour closer to Western Europe, being relocated to UTC+3 instead of UTC+4 as it has been for decades? And did you hear that Dubai now represents the time-zone instead of Riyadh, or Brisbane instead of Noumea? Some…
In the world of architecture, there are constructs where you ask yourself, how they can withstand the enormous weight by a seemingly fragile method of construction. A similar example from watchmaking has just been introduced by Breguet with their Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Squelette 5395, where all supporting elements have been reduced so heavily, that they almost seem…
At first sight, this new timepiece from Swiss watchmaker Carl F. Bucherer seems so simple and elegant, nearly inconspicuous. Sure, it is equipped with a tourbillon complication which still today remains one of the most complex technologies in watchmaking, but to be honest there are hardly any renowned watchmakers without offering tourbillon complications today. However,…
Vacheron Constantin stages eternity – and a tourbillon – for its anniversary For 270 years, Vacheron Constantin has been striving to capture time with measuring instruments that are as technically as they are aesthetically sophisticated. This is reflected in the anniversary creations such as the three models of the Traditionnelle Open Face Anniversary Edition. Of course, the…
Can a watch manufacture become any more sovereign than this? The soon-to-be-instated King Charles III of England is the owner of a Parmigiani Fleurier. King Charles has long worn the watch, but now, as a prince becomes a king, his choice carries even more weight: the British crown puts his trust in Parmigiani Fleurier. Meanwhile,…