Sameera Gamage 
Patek Philippe’s latest split-seconds chronograph doesn’t scream for attention; it doesn’t need to. This is old-school craftsmanship wrapped in a fresh rose gold and enamel combo that just works. It’s elegant, complicated, and effortlessly cool, exactly what you’d expect from the kings of classic watchmaking.
Patek Philippe are masters of creating grand complications and presenting them in timeless, beautiful, aesthetically pleasing timepieces. The Patek Philippe Grand Complications Split Seconds Chronograph is a testament to this, a manual winding timepiece where elegance meets sophistication.
Split-second chronographs, also known as “rattrapante” chronographs, represent the pinnacle of traditional watchmaking complexity and refinement. What makes these timepieces different from standard chronographs is that there are two chronograph hands that start simultaneously once the pushers are engaged; however, they can be stopped independently to record intermediate times, and then re-engaged to catch up with the main chronograph hand.
Watches with the split-second chronograph feature require an intricate mechanism in the movement to allow the independent timing of the hands, which Patek Philippe is renowned for making with exceptional finesse. Split-second chronographs have been around since the 1880s in pocket watches, with Patek Philippe creating the very first one on a wristwatch in 1923. Since then, Patek Philippe has introduced various split-second chronograph timepieces, with the mechanism even forming part of larger Grand Complication timepieces.
One of the more notable split-second chronograph timepieces in Patek’s history is the reference 5370P-001. This model featured a black and stunning blue dial timepeices with a dual sub-counter layout with Arabic hour indices, encased in a beautiful polished platinum case that ultimately created a timeless and iconic design. Now, Patek Philippe is adding a rose gold version to the 5370 collection, keeping the timepiece’s signature design the same while elevating its beauty through colour.
Case Design
The new Split-Seconds Chronograph’s case design retains the same design as its predecessors. It is presented in a 41mm case with a concave bezel. The case also has a varied finish, from an exceptionally polished finish on the surface and bezel to a satin-brushed finish on the side profile. This combination of finishes is carried over to the chronograph pushers and crown, where the former is satin-brushed on the top surface, but the side profile is polished, and the crown is polished to match this aesthetic. This interplay of different finishes throughout the case shows the level of detail on the case alone.
Dial Design
To match the beauty of the rose gold case, Patek Philippe has given the dial a brown Grand Feu enamel look, with the dual-sub dial counters and the tachymeter scale in beige champlevé enamel. All colour tones work well together to complement the rose-gold case. The applied Breguet hour indices, paired with the elegant leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, as well as the sharp dual chronograph hands, are all crafted in rose gold. This choice of material beautifully complements the rich brown Grand Feu enamel dial, resulting in an understated yet undeniably refined aesthetic that speaks to Patek Philippe’s timeless elegance.
Movement
Like with all Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Chronogprah timepieces, this latest iteration also features a manual wound movement, the Calibre CHR 29-535 PS. The movement features a column when control, which allows the chronograph to operate more smoothly and gives the crisp tactile feedback when engaging the pushers, as well as a horizontal clutch, which references classical watchmaking and aesthetics.
The horizontal clutch offers more visually beautiful architecture compared to a vertical clutch, which is purely performance-based. Another reason, as just mentioned, is that Patek Philippe’s Split-Seconds Chronographs are rooted in a long lineage of classical high horology, with the horizontal clutch playing a role in paying homage to that. The Calibre CHR29-535 PS also features seven patented innovations, including one for the split-seconds mechanism in the movement.
Initial Thoughts
The Patek Philippe 5370R-001 Split-Seconds Chronograph in rose gold is a masterclass in traditional watchmaking, showing once again why the brand sits at the pinnacle of haute horology. By combining a classical complication with a modern colourway, Patek hasn’t reinvented the wheel but rather refined it. This timepiece isn’t just about showcasing technical brilliance; it’s about expressing it through timeless design, exceptional finishing, and an elegance that quietly speaks volumes.
Specification: Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Chronograph (5370R-001)
- Dimensions: 41mm x 13.56mm thickness
- Case Material: 18k rose gold
- Dial: Grand Feu brown and beige enamel, rose gold applied Breguet numerals. Tachymeter scale. 18K gold dial plate.
- Movement: Manual wound in-house Calibre CHR 29-535 PS
- Movement Power reserve: Min. 65 hours (Frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Water resistance: 30m (3 Bar)
- Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
- Case back: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
- Bracelet/Strap: Alligator leather with square scales, shiny dark chestnut. Rose gold patented triple-blade fold-over clasp.
