A few hours have passed since the presentation of the new, much attested, models of the Nautilus family (we are talking about in this article) and the whole world is already talking about them. But as you already know, Patek Philippe has not limited itself only to presenting these new watches of its own sporty line.
In addition to the new Nautilus, in fact, five new chronographs have been introduced, including the new Rattrapante Monopulsante Chronograph with Perpetual Calendar Patek Philippe 5373P.
This time, however, we could say that it is not a “simple” novelty in terms of design and mechanics but, we could speak of a real absolute novelty by Patek Philippe.
It is in fact the first chronograph for left-handed people in the “recent” history of Patek Philippe. I stress recent because, to be precise, the Geneva Maison created, in 1927, a watch for lefties but it was a one-off in answer to the request of a left-handed customer.
We can therefore say that it is a real novelty in the Patek Philippe house that could open the doors, perhaps, to new models dedicated to those who wear the watch on the right wrist or, as the Maison claims, simply for those who appreciate rare timepieces.
It is certainly a risky choice but it will undoubtedly bring the hoped-for success and that the Manufacture has always been able to boast for all its timepieces from the “Grandi Complicazioni” family.
Without going further, let’s go to the discovery of this new model.
The new 5373P Rattrapante Chronograph For Left-handed Perpetual Calendar
For the creation of this new watch, Patek Philippe has chosen to reinterpret one of its finest models, the rattrapante monopusher chronograph with perpetual calendar, ref. 5372.
The new left-handed model with reference 5373P-001, which will be produced in a small series, is built with a 38.3 mm diameter platinum case, identical dimensions to the Ref. 5372.
The differences in the case of the new 5373P, compared to its predecessor 5372P, are given by the crown with the integrated chronograph button positioned at 9 o’clock and by the rattrapante function button which, contrary to custom, is located at 8 o’clock.
Despite this unusual choice of positioning of the two pushers, this new “lefties” Patek Philippe maintains its timeless elegance and exhibits a polished concave bezel that blends perfectly with the slightly domed sapphire crystal.
Below it we find the modern and sporty style dial that stands out for its displays (counters and windows) rotated by 180 °.
The date counter is positioned at 12 o’clock, the small seconds at 3 o’clock, the 60-minute chronograph counter at 9 o’clock and the moon phases, whose display is extremely precise (deviation of just one day over 122), at 6 o’clock.
All this is completed by the indications of the day of the week and of the month, the leap year cycle at 10:30 am and the day / night indication at 1:30 am.
The finish of the dial, with vertical satin anthracite decoration, is enlivened by the black gradient on the edge and by the blued ebony black counters.
The applied numbers in white gold and the faceted dauphin white gold hour and minute hands ensure perfect legibility of the time.
The sporty and contemporary look of the dial is echoed by the black calfskin strap with embossed textile motif and contrasting red stitching, equipped with a platinum folding clasp.
To give a pleasant contrast to the dial, in combination with the stitching of the strap, are the three red painted chronograph hands to be able to distinguish them easily.
To start, stop and reset these hands and, therefore, the chronograph of the new 5373P Rattrapante Monopulsante with Perpetual Calendar, we use the button located inside the crown at 9 o’clock for all three commands.
For the measurement of intermediate times (split-seconds function), on the other hand, the rectangular button at 8 o’clock is used.
Inside the 12.93 mm thick platinum case and, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback (interchangeable with a solid platinum case back), is the CHR 27-525 PS Q caliber.
This is the flattest movement with chronograph “à rattrapante” and perpetual calendar ever made (7.3 mm), characterized by a refined architecture with two column wheels equipped, as usual for Patek Philippe, with shiny hats.
The bridges are carefully beveled, with polished edges and decorated with Côtes de Genève.
The eye is also attracted by the elegant aesthetics of the “shaped” components and the old-fashioned bridges, whose recessed corners are rigorously handcrafted, an operation that requires great skill and long experience.
As in all Patek Philippe models, made with one of the noblest metal in the world of watchmaking, platinum, the new left-handed 5373P features a brilliant-cut diamond on the middle case set at 12 o’clock.
The predecessor of the new 5373P
This Patek Philippe for left-handers cannot properly be defined as the very first model with a crown on the left ever to be produced by the Maison as, the new 5373P, is inspired by a one-off Patek Philippe sold in 1927: a rattrapante chronograph of coussin shape (movement N ° 198 012) in 18K yellow gold.
It is a watch made between 1925-1926 with dimensions of 34 x 34 mm and is distinguished by the unusual arrangement of the controls and displays.
In this watch, the case and movement were rotated 180 °, with the chronograph button at 9 o’clock (instead of 3 o’clock) and the rattrapante button at 8 o’clock (instead of 2 o’clock).
Price and availability
This new Patek Philippe will be produced in very few copies at a list price of CHF 500,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 511,000 at current rates.
Let us know in the comments what you think about this timepiece.
To learn more about this watch, visit Patek Philippe’s official website.
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