Patek Philippe Chronographs

Function and aesthetics in symbiosis

The Patek Philippe chronograph, as a single complication or associated with other complications, is a cult watch revered by enthusiasts and collectors.
Its history began in 1856 with the presentation of the Manufacture's first chronograph, the Ref. 10 051 pocket watch, with three sub-dials that required a separate key to reset the chronograph sub-dial. The design of this first timepiece made its mark and its three-subdial architecture has stood the test of time, as many of today's references attest.

In 1923, to fulfil a client's order, the first wristwatch to include this complication was presented, a split-seconds chronograph - or rattrapante - which became known as No. 124 824. With a fascinating history, it was produced in 1903 and sold two decades later. In 2014, it was reacquired at auction by the Patek Philippe Museum. Since then, many chronographs have been created that would influence some of the most cherished references in today's collection. Legendary watches such as the Refs. 1463 or 1563 - the first water-resistant chronographs - with round pushers labelled in Italian "Tasti Tondi". Or the unmissable Ref. 2499, considered by many collectors to be the most beautiful perpetual calendar chronograph produced by Patek.

The classic hand-wound chronograph

In 2004, research and development began on an integrated chronograph movement, produced in-house, which would succeed the various Lemania-based chronograph calibres. This movement is the CH 29-535 PS calibre, presented in 2009. It is a modern version of a classic chronograph with a column wheel and manual winding, updated to modern standards of performance and reliability. It has an oscillation frequency of 4 Hz and 65 hours of power reserve, as well as many other innovations.

The self-winding chronograph

In 2006, Patek had already presented its first self-winding chronograph movement, produced in-house, the CH 28-520 calibre. In the same year, it debuted the revolutionary Spiromax® spiral, a completely new type of spiral made of Silinvar™, a revolutionary material based on monocrystalline silicon. And in 2008, it continued with the introduction of the Pulsomax® escapement, composed of a lever and an escape wheel, both based on silicon.
This is a high-performance chronograph movement with a 21K gold centre rotor and vertical clutch configuration with column wheel, which allows the chronograph hand to be used as a running seconds hand with negligible impact on amplitude. A slightly increased power reserve of 50 to 55 hours, a frequency of 4 Hz and a flyback function are other features of this calibre. It also combines the Spiromax® spiral with a Gyromax® balance, making it one of the most advanced movements in the watch industry today.

Classic hand-wound chronograph, CH 29-535 PS caliber

Self-winding chronograph, CH 28-520 caliber

Artistic excellence and cutting-edge technology

Of the various chronograph references in the Complications collection, let's begin our selection with Ref. 5172G-010, with a vintage charm that echoes a version of the "Tasti Tondi", with its salmon pink dial, two juxtaposed sub-dials and fluted poussoirs. Equipped with the CH 29-535 PS calibre, which can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback.

With the Ref. 5924G-010, Patek Philippe presents the first chronograph model in its line of Pilot-style watches, combined with a Travel Time function. A new self-winding model with an original aesthetic, in a white gold version with a khaki green lacquered dial and vintage-finish strap.

The Ref. 5905R-010, in an interesting combination of rose gold with blue dial and strap, is a flyback chronograph with annual calendar, powered by the CH 28-520 self-winding movement. A modern, elegant and timeless timepiece. Featuring the same complications, the Ref. 5961R-010, with its ebony black dial and strap, is enhanced by the brilliance of the baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel and indexes.

In the Grand Complications, the Ref. 5204G-001 reveals the ultimate classic: a split-seconds chronograph with perpetual calendar. Two of the most sought-after Patek Philippe complications, in a contemporary interpretation, with a white gold case and olive green dial. Inside is the CHR 29-535 PS Q hand-wound movement, a traditional architecture with seven patented innovations.