5975R, 175th Anniversary Chronograph, Pink Gold

The ref. 5975 was Patek Philippe’s 175th birthday present to themselves. A humble chronograph, it falls well outside the brand’s standard purvue. Tying in elements of vintage and modern productions with a bespoke case shape, it is something akin to a restomod 1940s triple scale. Triple scale chronographs were, in period, largely worn by doctors or soldiers—purely functional. That same functional attitude is adapted for modernity here with the inclusion of a rotor. The 5975 was released in 400 examples in yellow, pink, and white gold with 100 in platinum. 

The 40mm case of the 5975 is rather unusual and unique to the reference.  The lug profile is stepped and art deco in the sense of the 5070, yet more pointed and angular in a manner that calls to mind the 3448. Its bezel is a single angled plane, not concave. The dial, equally, stands apart from every other chronograph of modern times. While it is obviously vintage-inspired, it’s proportions are modern. The pulsations and telemetre scales take up the majority of real estate, leaving hour indices inboard to match a small handset length. Only the chronograph hand extends to full width, leaving no doubt of the intent here. There are no subdials, it is pure essence of chronograph without distraction. As an MD’s chronograph in modern times, it has few peers. 

The most unusual decision in the development of the 5975 was to make it self-winding. Calibre 28-520 is also found in the Nautilus or Annual Chronographs, though apparently these examples saw extra attention in adjustment. It is a column wheel, vertical clutch with lovely engagement feel. Thierry Stern sought to make a watch that should be worn every day, and the manual chronograph market was well catered toward. Despite a well-finished calibre on display in many other references, Patek Philippe opted for a solid engraved back for this celebratory reference. 

The 5975 is one of the most adventurous releases of recent years, equal parts mid-century and mid-2010s. At release in 2015, many collectors debated whether Patek Philippe had any business revising their history so directly. The Patek chronograph, until this point, had been slow and steady evolution. The 5975 showed a playfulness, willingness to experiment, and willingness to take risk that is scarcely seen. 

This 5975R presents in excellent condition. The case bears only very, very light signs of superficial wear. The dial is as new. Its strap is lightly worn and the deployant clasp shows only very light signs of wear also. Its calibre 28-520 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. It comes with its full set.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.