Description

The present watch is offered as a reverent homage to Patek Philippe’s earliest split-seconds chronograph wristwatch of 1923, a piece unique conceived in 1903 and delivered two decades later. Rooted in that pioneering lineage—the earliest known rattrapante wristwatch by any manufacturer—this reference 5959 distills a century of chronograph mastery into an exquisitely compact, 33mm platinum case with screwed lugs and classical proportions.

Launched in 2005 as a faithful reinterpretation of the 1923 original, the ref. 5959 was endowed with a sapphire display back to reveal the maison’s first fully in-house split-seconds chronograph movement, calibre CH 27-525 PS. Engineered as an extra-flat, column-wheel rattrapante with a height of just 5.25mm—a record at its debut—the calibre was finished to the highest traditional standards, its architecture and handwork intended to be studied and admired. Chronograph control is executed via a monopusher, while the split-seconds function is engaged through the co-axial pusher in the crown, preserving the purity of the case design.

This particular example is distinguished by its rare black dial—far scarcer than the white lacquer configuration with black Breguet numerals that defined most of the production run. On the present dial, contrast and depth are achieved through elegantly painted Breguet numerals, finely drawn scales, and feuille hands, all arranged with exemplary balance within the intimate 33mm frame. The visual austerity of platinum is complemented by the dial’s restrained richness, yielding a dress chronograph of exceptional poise.

Across its production life until discontinuation in 2018, the ref. 5959 was realized in exceedingly small numbers—believed to total fewer than 100 pieces—with black dials appearing only in a fraction of those. Celebrated by connoisseurs for its elegance, technical significance, and historical continuity, the ref. 5959 is regarded as one of the most important modern split-seconds chronographs from Patek Philippe, uniting origin-story heritage with uncompromising contemporary craft.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.