Patek Phillippe has long been cherished by collectors for mechanical craftsmanship. Their long line of complicated timepieces from pocket watches to wristwatches is the history of some of the most iconic watches known today. The brand has long been known for their important chronograph calibers, and their first-known split-seconds chronograph wristwatch dates to the 1920s. Considered one of the most complicated mechanisms, the split-second chronograph measures two time intervals at once, meaning individual lap times can be recorded with the split-seconds hand.

Patek Philippe introduced the reference 5959 in 2005 as an homage to early chronographs manufactured by the firm. As the brand’s very first in-house split-seconds chronograph, the caliber CHR 27-525 PS extra flat column wheel movement was truly ground-breaking, with a mere 5.25mm thickness - a new world record.

Produced in platinum with two dial variants, black and white, the present example with a white lacquered dial and painted black Breguet numerals is a jaw-dropping specimen boasting a beautiful, officier-style case. Discontinued in 2018, it is estimated there were approximately 50 examples produced with the present, ‘001’ dial. Accompanied by the Certificate of Origin and folio, this reference 5959P is a must-have for collectors of fine and important chronograph timepieces.