Patek Philippe

The 'split seconds chronograph,' or 'rattrapante,' is one of the most fabled complications in horology. Philippe Stern, former president of Patek Philippe, recounted the arduous process of adapting the Lemania 2310 caliber for reference 5004, a movement never intended to receive the split seconds complication. This proved a difficult task and over its production period three different variations of the movement were manufactured to increase its reliability, easy to differentiate when observing the isolator wheel, shaped like an octopus. With three variations, the movement of the present watch belongs to the second iteration of the movement. With movements automatically upgraded to the third variation when taken into a service, the configuration of the present lot has become rare and highly desirable within the family of 5004 connoisseurs.

Discontinued in 2012 and subsequently replaced by a larger model with in-house caliber, reference 5004 quickly obtained its now legendary status for offering the coveted complication and movement in classic sizing. Platinum examples, such as the present watch, are exceedingly rare. Rarer still are the -021 sub-references with silvered dial, as confirmed on the certificate. The case and dial combination coupled with the cult status among collectors makes this watch a true treasure to behold.