PATEK PHILIPPE. AN EXTREMELY FINE AND VERY RARE STAINLESS STEEL CUSHION-SHAPED SPLIT SECONDS SINGLE BUTTON CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH

Launched in 2010, reference 5950 immediately soared to the top of the wish lists of collectors all over the world. It is powered by the calibre CHR 27-575 PS, introduced in 2005 with the officier-style split seconds chronograph reference 5959. Not only is this movement the first example of chronographic calibre completely realized in-house by Patek Philippe, it is also the thinnest manually wound column-wheel split seconds single button chronograph movement ever designed by any manufacturer.

This movement, which can be considered a compendium of the best and most innovative horological technology available at the moment of its inception, is ironically housed in an art deco-style case obviously inspired by the very first split seconds chronograph wristwatches of the 1920s. The cushion-shaped case, the typical dial layout with outer railway fifth of a second divisions and the two horizontal subsidiary dials, the Breguet numerals, the engraved motif at the corners of the dial (reprised on the movement as well, example of Patek Philippe's incredible attention to detail), every little detail of the timepiece is devised with the open intention of sending the beholder on a time voyage back to the 1920s and 30s.

Last but not least, this model, arguably one of the most advanced and attractive examples of modern Patek Philippe production, features a stainless steel case. Highly complicated Patek Philippe timepieces in steel, either vintage or modern, are as unusual as they are avidly hunted down by connoisseurs.