Patek Philippe 5370R Split-Seconds Chronograph

Exactly ten years ago, at Baselworld in 2015, the first version of a simple split chronograph from Patek Philippe was presented since the model 1436 – 5370R. 5370R is an ideal watch in many ways: a complex, incredibly detailed case, an artfully crafted manufactory split chronograph, and a black enamel dial with Breguet numerals.

When the watch appeared on the market, ardent watch fans rushed to their dealers with orders. Only a small part of them reached dealers in 2015. It has been the most coveted premium modern Patek watch in the catalog for many years, and had no competition until 2018, when the 5270R model with a salmon-colored dial was introduced.

The years passed. Customers were looking for more casual watches. There has been a surge of interest in Patek Philippe steel models, in particular, Nautilus and Aquanaut. Around then, the 5370R appeared on the secondary market, often at a retail price, and sometimes lower. It was at this time that the 5711/A, or steel Nautilus, began to disappear from sale and end up in auction catalogs.

The 5370R with a black dial was available until 2020, when it was replaced by a version with a bright blue dial. The model appeared in 2020 at the height of the global pandemic. The biggest surge and change in interest in buying watches soon followed. The demand for sophisticated watches, or “real Patek” watches, has plummeted, while the demand for sports watches has skyrocketed. At Phillips auctions in December 2021, the 5711A sold for $280,980, while three weeks earlier, also at Phillips, the 5370R sold for just over $200,000.

It is impossible for the reference 5711A to cost the same as a split chronograph in a platinum case with an enamel dial. And yet, that’s exactly what happened. The retail price of the 5370R was $263,093 in 2020.

Patek presented some really strong models at the Watches and Wonders exhibition this year. The new 5370 in rose gold caused a lot of discussion, in a good way, because it felt like this watch could have been made in the 90s – when Patek was actually single–handedly creating truly elite, luxurious watches.

The dial is still enameled, but in fact it is a complex three-component design consisting of a brown main dial, two beige enamel counters and a beige outer ring, also enameled. The rose gold Breguet numbers are perfectly inscribed in the enamel. The brown main dial is made in the grand feu technique and is carefully polished, while the registers and the outer track are made in the champleve technique. Despite the similarity of technology, grand feu creates, in general, a more voluminous and saturated dial with several layers of enamel applied to the base, which is why it was used for the main brown dial. The notched enamel is located inside the metal carving or engraving and fills the space, creating a more patterned look. That’s why the Champleve color is used here for the registers and the outer ring. The watch is decorated in earthy tones.

The dial takes not only the variety of finishes and shades to a new level, but also the fact that the additional registers are actually recessed into the brown dial, while the outer track is raised, which gives this new look to a familiar watch a truly beautiful, thoughtful and unusual look.

The case is expertly crafted and finished in such a way that, in fact, no other watch manufacturer of this scale can compare with it – it combines polished facades and satin sides. Thanks to this, it fits perfectly on your wrist.

The movement is a CHR 29-535 PS caliber, absolutely exemplary in all respects. It is only 7.12mm thick, which is just over 1 mm thicker than the CH 29-535 PS, the base chronograph calibre found in the standard 5172 chronograph. The details, finishes and design exceed the expectations of a watch in this class, with a few touches that are clearly handmade. Honestly, he’s great.

As you would expect from a Patek of this level, the caliber features a Gyromax spring balance and smooth, even hand-finished all components. The quality of the watch’s balance more than compensates for any machine finish that is present here, even in this price range.

Returning to the question of prices and availability of watches: The 5370R was introduced only a few months ago, and very few were delivered. Therefore, there is no secondary market for these watches yet.

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