Hands-On: The Patek Philippe 5370R Split-Seconds Chronograph, And A Look Back At The Last Ten Years Of High-End Watch Collecting

Now let’s get down to it. Would I buy the 5370R today? Well, first, know that the retail price is $302,841. If I’m buying it in NYC, this would cost me around $330,000 out the door after taxes. That is a simply wild number. A number that frankly, I’d have a hard time justifying even in the alternate version of life where I don’t have two children and a mortgage. And that’s the thing here, really. The 5370R is far and away the most compelling of the 5370s made by Patek in the past ten years, but it’s somehow the most expensive. The dial work is what makes it here, and the colors could not be more me if I were asked to pick them myself, but at north of $300,000, I want a watch to be perfect, and the 5370, while absolutely in the top tier of all watches made today, I think just falls short. I suppose if I didn’t buy the 5370P with black dial back when they were hot as hot can be, and when I was young and single and had money to spend, it would be hard to get me across the line on this rose gold one at an even higher price, despite all its charm. 

Having said that, if I had far, far more disposable income than I do, or, say, if that imaginary trust fund showed up one day, I’m not sure there is a better, more lush split-second chronograph on the market today than this one. The Peterman Bedat reference 2941 Split Seconds Chronograph has a lot going for it – arguably a more interesting movement design, more hand finishing, and a smaller 38mm case, but I struggle with the case and dial of the Bedat and would likely choose the 5370R over it. 

And back to the subject matter of pricing and availability from before – the 5370R was just introduced a few months back and as far as I know, very few have been delivered, if any. So there basically is not a secondary market for this watch, yet. The few that are listed on Chrono24 look to be using images taken through the case at W&W 2025, so I’d doubt those watches are in hand. I guess the real question is, if you’re a Patek guy, as in someone that won’t be looking at something like a Lange or Peterman Bedat, and you want a 5370, do you make the play for the rose gold at north of $300,000, or do you look for a pre-owned 5370P for about 65% of the price? I don’t have the answer here, because for Patek collectors, getting them at retail means a lot. I know it does to me. But that’s a big pricing delta….which gives me an idea for another story soon.

Until then, enjoy this rambling take on the new and lovely 5370R, which is an absolutely beautiful watch with a very special dial construction, and glorious movement, but a case dimension and price that are just a bit outsized, even in the world of Patek Philippe.