5950R-010 Patek Philippe Split Seconds Monopusher

This is easily the strangest, yet most significant watch you could randomly stumble across on Chrono24 right now. It’s the 5950R-010, 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 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. 

The photography for images of this Find are of an example sold prior by Phillips and not for sale now. The example currently on market is linked below. The listing has almost no photos. 

Just 15 were made in this pink-on-pink spec, one of which is on offer from Monaco now, single-sealed. This pink-on-pink 5950R-010 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?

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 build it twice to check wear of each function. It’s Patek out-Lemania-ing Lemania. 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 black-oxidized 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 488K USD, near as makes no difference half a million. One or two moved on the private market in the meantime. Now, this single-sealed example’s owner is asking 590K. That’s actually not that insane. The craziest part of this watch is how it’s being sold. It’s just sitting there, no fanfare. Well, it deserves some. Because if a Tiffany 5711 is selling still over a full million, this is madness. And to think this whole reference was likely created because the 5959 collectors deemed to dainty to Thierry directly. Get some.

This example is single-sealed, full set. From a well-regarded Monegasque retailer. Nothing more to say.