Baselworld/SIHH

The launch of a brand new split seconds chronograph wristwatch by Patek Philippe is a rare opportunity to discover not just a gorgeous watch but also the functioning of a mythical device among watch technique geeks!

When Patek Philippe presented the new reference 5204P at Baselworld in 2012 it was not a full surprise. The launch of the new base calibre CH 29-535 late 2009 ( http://patek.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-11/pi-3467161/ti-561706/s-0/ ) and the following launch of the first man's watch using this "engine", the reference 5170J, at Baselworld in 2010 ( http://patek.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-11/pi-3738566/ti-598146/s--1/ ) were a clear indication that a new chapter of the hand-wound chronograph history at Patek Philippe was beginning.

In 2011 came the perpetual calendar chronograph version reference 5270G (http://patek.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-11/pi-4509368/ti-698328/s-0/ ) and the announcement that the 5004 production was coming to an end with the edition of the final steel version 5004A.

Of course we had seen in 2010 another perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph at Baselworld, the ultra thin reference 5951P ( http://patek.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-11/pi-3738771/ti-598146/s--11/ )! This watch is intended to be more exclusive than the 5004 as its ultra thin calibre is really asking a more complicated production and assembling and consequently has a low production and a high cost. I see these references 5959, 5950 and 5951 as ultimate pieces made for ultimate collectors looking for brand new pieces to add to their extraordinary vintage piece collections. But Patek Philippe needs (and maybe we do too) more accessible pieces (if accessible can be regarded as an acceptable word when speaking about Patek Philippe chronographs).

So Patek Philippe had a more easily produced recent hand-wound chronograph base of great value, the calibre CH 29-535. A perpetual calendar plate had already been developed with the 5270. It was pertinent to keep the pace of growing desire with a split seconds version of the 5270's calibre. Here it is!

Here it is: patek.watchprosite.com