Running into rare birds like the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Split-Seconds Chronograph ref. 5372P-010 is not an easy task. A rare bird in platinum that commands top dollar around the $650,000 USD mark. This grand complication from Patek Philippe represents the true pinnacle of watchmaking and it is a watch that is the ultimate grail for savvy watch collectors. For many, the ref. 5270P is the game-over piece, but once you’ve held a ref. 5372P, then you know that this is the true game-over piece. Combining a perpetual calendar with a split-seconds chronograph is as complex as it gets.
While technical complexity is of paramount importance at Patek Philippe when creating grand complications, it never comes at the cost of aesthetics —something Richard Mille should’ve thought of when releasing the RM UP-01 Ferrari.
Cased in platinum, the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Split-Seconds Chronograph ref. 5372P-010 features a 38.3 mm case. The rose gold dial —not salmon colored— is gorgeous and with a perfect balance in terms of legibility. Featuring running seconds at 9 o’clock, 60-minute Chrono totalizer at 3 o’clock, and date indication subdial at 6 o’clock, the Patek ref. 5372P is very intuitive as far as reading the chronograph as well as the perpetual calendar indications with its prominent moon phase aperture at 12 o’clock.
The stepped bezel as well as the caseband take the center stage along with the mono-pusher and winding crown with pusher for the split seconds chronograph. An exquisitely finished watch with high polished areas and satin-brushed finishes throughout.
The rose gold dial is exquisitely finished with a vertical satin-brushed finish and applied Arabic numerals. The black transfers work really well against the beautiful rose background and the moon phase indication contrasts perfectly with its dark blue disc with silver moon and silver stars.
Powering this ultimate grail is the manual wound Patek Philippe calibre CHR 27‑525 PS Q with 31 Jewels and which provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound. This movement composed of 400 parts is assembled by one particular master watchmaker from top to bottom. When it comes to Patek there’s no room for error or cutting any corners. The movement is finished to Patek standards and a treat for the eyes.
On the wrist, putting this incredible watch on is simply what every watch collector —big or small— would dream of being able to do at least once in their lifetime. The ultimate grail for many and a game-over type of watch for us. Perfection at its best.
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