5950R-001 Patek Philippe Split Seconds Monopusher

This is the 5950R-001, a small run of 15 pieces which are all extremely sought after. Its calibre is a direct descendant of the CHR 27-525 PS in ref. 5959, introduced in 2010 as a direct successor. In the 5959, this was actually the very first fully in-house Patek Philippe chronograph calibre of any kind, not the 5170. More than that, CHR 27-525 PS was the thinnest split seconds calibre ever made at release: just 5.25mm thin. And, I mean, just look at it. The calibre began in the 5959, but eventually created this 36mm ref. 5950 too. Just 15 were made in this silver-on-pink spec, one of which is on offer now. The pink 5950 is so rare that it only made its auction debut in 2021 for the first time ever. Originally launched in steel, this piece followed in 2016. It was intended to be hyper-rare from the start. So what is it?

Photography for this Find comes courtesy of a prior example sold by Phillips. 

This a 36.5mm case which houses one of the most technically refined chronograph calibres ever devised. That’s not hyperbole. There are patented tooth geometries for minimal backlash, perfected engagement, and minimal friction. The architecture of the calibre also allows for automatic equalization of the torque differences between the chronograph on and off states. And, in this calibre, Patek did the Lange thing and built it twice to check wear of each function. It’s Patek of old. And did I mention it’s 5.25mm thin? This is a watchmaking-first watch. Development is said to have taken 5 years. The dial is engraved then lacquered, with pink gold Breguet numerals and feuille hands. The scroll details in the corners are inspired directly by a 1925 split in the Patek Philippe museum.

The only other example to sell sold at 323K USD in 2021. One or two moved on the private market in the meantime. This one is at 400K. That’s actually not that insane today. And to think this whole reference was likely created because 5959 collectors deemed the reference too dainty to Thierry directly in conversation. Perhaps it's time to do the opposite in many collections. 

This example looks to be well preserved, but it should be noted it is not complete set and Extract is on order. It comes from Shanghai, running well.