5370P Patek Philippe Split Seconds

There aren’t many watches in the Thierry era that one can honestly say are 10s. But this is one, and the buzz around it is pretty quiet. The 5370 was introduced in 2015 to much fanfare, but that was objectively before half the people currently reading this were into watches (yes, the space has grown that much that fast). The 5370 has recently been brought back in a new metal, or as Patek’s modern clients would it ‘colorway’. But I’m not sure it needed to be. Black enamel and platinum has not been bettered, but it does need to be recalled to the memory of many.

The photography for the first these images of this find are courtesy of a prior ACM example, a previously sold 5370 in similar condition to the example we are featuring in the market now. The macro movement image is courtesy of SJX. 

So, what it is exactly? A black grand feu enamel dial with Breguet numerals is a great start. But it’s a bit quirky in luminous hands too. And it’s actually even more vintage-leaning in the case. Despite measuring 41, the lugs are spaced wider that a modern Patek case, giving the relative, scaled proportions of a vintage 130. The subdials are sunk slightly lower than center, but only so that they can be oversized and a bit big-eye-ish. It’s made to appeal to people like us, not necessarily the average Patek buyer today, and it worked.

But it’s the CHR 29-535 PS that impresses most, effectively a 5170 with more. The rattrapante works are extremely modern, with a wild swan-necked isolator spring. The minute counter is instantaneous. The finishing on the thin levers with graining and long anglage. The angles haven’t been simplified here to make things easy, look at shape of some of these bridges. It’s old-school looking, but traditional watchmaking chops underneath.

The 5370 was never limited but never exactly a top seller either. Most estimates of production fall from 200-400 examples being out there. Retail in 2015 was 250K US. Today most values at auction and the private market center around 200K. That’s actually pretty wild. It’s the same story with the 5270. The whole last ten years of production was made in greater volume than generations prior and no one knows quite how collected they could or will be in the future. So things trade slightly lower than retail, but never too far off. Long term, I quite believe this one could be a winner. But who cares what we think. The new white gold Cubitus is selling for nearly this value, so clearly few.

This case, with its recessed case sides and proud edges, doesn't respond well to a polish and thankfully most all examples haven't been subjected tot hat. Always check for marks and/or cracks in the enamel. The example on offer today looks fantastic, without any problem signs. It comes with its full set from a well-regarded Genevan retailer.