The present watch is fresh to the market, offered by its original owner, and without any trace of wear.
While all Patek Philippe timepieces are unarguably special watchmaking efforts - due to finishing, style, the "aura" of the brand, and so on - reference 5370P shines maybe even brighter than most of its contemporary brethren. When it was released in 2016 at Baselworld, the acclaim of critics and the public was nearly overwhelming. It is practically impossible to find negative criticism of the model, and in fact it has been defined by important publications as "arguably the best Patek in years", "a holy grail for many", "something unique and absolutely gorgeous", and "just... wow".
The only way to truly comprehend such an unanimously positive reaction, is to hold an example in one's hand: the piece simply talks to a collector's soul, as a true work of art does. A quick analysis of its case, dial and movement, however, does help to understand this masterpiece on an intellectual level.
This model can be considered a perfect synthesis of the core values of the brand - both aesthetically and technically - and the vision Patek Philippe has for its future.
The case is obviously reminiscent of the early 1940s wristwatches: ref. 130, 1436, 1463, 530... All of them are now considered landmark references by Patek Philippe purists, and all share the general case design we find on the 5370 as well: a simple, sinuous, flowing line from the top lug to the bottom one. The reference uses the same overall design, albeit in an impressive 41 mm. case, and with some subtle modifications: while in vintage models the band is simply satin-finished, the 5370 present the same satin look, but recessed in the case, leaving it enclosed by a thin polished frame. Also, where one would find the pinholes for the bars in vintage pieces, the 5730 present cabochon details. The final result truly feels like the projection of Patek Philippe DNA into the future.
The dial is simply breathtaking. It is a solid piece of white gold enameled in black with white graphics. Not only enameled timepieces bring the beholder back to the early days of watchmaking, but also the entire graphic layout of the dial is inspired by vintage models - telltale are the railway minute divisions and the disposition of the tachymetre scale - however updated with a hint of modernism. For example we do not find the continuous fifth of a second combined Arabic 5 minutes divisions which are typical of vintage pieces. The result is a historically-inspired dial which however does not feel overly encumbered by graphic excess. Final touches are the Breguet numerals and the feuille luminous hands, granting perfect legibility in all conditions.
The movement, finally, can be considered one of the greatest chronograph movements of our time. The level and quality of the finishing is simply superb, and it feels rooted in Patek Philippe's past, however with modern innovations which perfect the split seconds complication - one of the most complex in watchmaking. For example, the two heart cams are fitted with ruby rollers, for perfect superimposition of the hands. Also, the movement has been designed so that when the split seconds is activated, no amplitude at all is lost by the balance wheel.