Just released by Patek Philippe is a new version of its exquisite 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph that was first released in 2015, now done in platinum with a Grand Feu blue enamel dial. This is one of those pieces that serves as a prime example of just how lust-worthy Patek pieces can be, and the rare Split-Seconds Chronograph is up there with its  finest as case studies in mastery of execution. And yes, I realize I’m saying this not having held the new 5370P-011 Split-Seconds Chronograph in the metal, but I have seen its previous iteration with a black enamel dial.

Specifications

Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: 5370P-011 Split-Seconds Chronograph
Dimensions: 41mm-wide, 13.56mm-thick, 49.8mm lug-to-lug
Water Resistance: 30M
Case Material: Platinum
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire crystal, caseback is interchangeable solid and sapphire
Movement: Caliber CHR 29-535 PS manual-wind
Frequency: 4Hz
Power Reserve: 65 hours with chronograph disengaged
Strap/Bracelet: Alligator leather with large square scales, hand-stitched, shiny dusk blue fold-over clasp in platinum
Price & Availability: $263,093

The caseback reveals the manually wound CHR 29-535 PS movement, which is an absolute work of art in how it’s constructed and finished. There are several patents on this chronograph including one for its rattrapante mechanism, which has an isolater designed to cut down on friction between the split-seconds and chronograph wheels. The pusher at 2 o’clock activates and stops the chronograph hand and the rattrapante pusher that is integrated into the crown activates and stops the split-seconds chronograph hand, while the pusher at 4 o’clock resets the chronograph. And, while not as juicy as the split-seconds chronograph details, there is a hacking seconds feature.

The CHR 29-535 PS is finished to the highest standards with black polishing, Geneva stripes, straight grained finishes, engine-turned perlage on the baseplate, mirrored anglage on the bridges and levers, and all hand-finished. Still, there is something… unfussy about it that I appreciate. I will elaborate on that thought when we go hands-on with the 5370P, but there’s something about the straightforwardness of the movement design that I am all about.

The “email” (French for “enamel”) text at 6 o’clock indicates the blue Grand Feu enamel dial that should be a beauty in person. The white gold Breguet numerals, white gold appliques, and lumed (that’s right) while gold leaf-shaped hands make for a legible and brilliant dial.

It’s hard to tell from the photos sometimes, but the platinum case is quite impressive. The concave bezel, satin finishes along the flanks, and those platinum cabochon set on each of the lugs make for an overall beautiful case. I dug around the Patek Philippe Youtube page and found a great video on how they create the platinum case for the previous black-dial 5370P, which is identical to the one here. Take a look at the embedded video above to get a good idea of how it’s done.

Patek Philippe has some more videos about the construction of the 5370P, particularly the dial and movement. There is one about the manual enameling on the dial (see here), the production and placement of the gold numerals on the dial (see here), and the manual finishing of the movement parts (see here).

The Patek Philippe 5370P Split Seconds Chronograph is rare and difficult to acquire, with Patek likely allocating these for prolific collectors. In fact, I doubt more than a few dozen total will be produced annually. On a matching blue alligator strap with platinum clasp, the Patek Philippe 5370P-011 Split Seconds Chronograph is priced at $263,093. You can learn more at patek.com