Reference 5951, introduced in 2010, is one of the most intriguing modern creations of Patek Philippe. It was produced in three different series, starting with the present example, indeed a representative of the first series - defined by its black dial with red chronographic hands. A highly sporty design - not only due to the red hands, but also to the contrasting counters and chapter ring - it is very far from the usual super complicated Patek Philippe dress watch, while at the same time being one of the most advanced timepieces made by the brand. It in fact employs what was at the time the thinnest split seconds chronograph ever devised by the company (also used for sister reference 5950). The caliber was then upgraded with a perpetual calendar module complete of moonphases, leap year and day/night indication; all this wealth of information very elegantly and subtly included in the lower part of the dial.

The case design as well is highly peculiar, Patek Philippe having opted for a very retro choice: a cushion-shape design harkening back to the 1920s/1930s, possibly inspired by a unique 1928 single-button white gold Patek Philippe chronograph (no. 198’207). Combined with the red-accented, modernist dial of the first series, such a vintage case architecture renders the piece an absolutely striking example of retro-futuristic design, made even more remarkable by the fact that the company which devised it is not known for being the most iconoclastic of the watch manufacturers.

Following the first series, and probably in response to more than a few raised eyebrows, a second series featuring more conventional white and black dials with Breguet numerals was launched, and finally a last series with black dial and engraved case. With the retirement of the model, from 2017 there is no more cushion-shaped grand complication in the company’s catalogue.

The present example is offered complete of its original accessories and in close to “as-new” condition. Its retro-futuristic aesthetics, first series classification, superb movement, and very limited output for the model make this piece a grail watch both for the collector of ultimate Patek Philippe wristwatches and for the general connoisseur of high-end watchmaking as well.