A new attempt at sporting! Patek Philippe Ref. 5470: the first 1/10 second chronograph

Ref. 5470P-001 is Patek Philippe’s first chronograph that can measure to 1/10 second.

However, just after bidding farewell to the “Watches & Wonders” watch exhibition, Patek Philippe (PATEK PHILIPPE) has released a new model. The latest Ref. 5470P-001 is Patek Philippe’s first chronograph that can measure to 1/10 second. With a single-button timing configuration and a special layout of two chronograph second hands, as well as a very dynamic color scheme, it is eye-catching in terms of both function and appearance!

Ref. 5470P-001 is Patek Philippe’s new masterpiece in the field of chronographs. The case style comes from Ref. 5370. As for the newly developed CH 29-535 PS 1/10 movement, it is modified based on CH 29-535 PS; CH 29-535 PS is Patek Philippe’s new generation of self-made chronograph movement launched in 2009, and is also the basis of all current Patek Philippe chronograph functions. This time, to change to 1/10 second chronograph function, the original movement frequency of 4 Hz must be increased to 5 Hz, that is, the frequency of 36,000 times/hour; at the same time, higher frequency means higher energy consumption and more vibration. Patek Philippe has added many patented technologies to reduce the impact of the chronograph function on accuracy.

The number of parts of the CH 29-535 PS 1/10 movement has reached 396, which is more than 100 parts higher than the 269 parts of the basic CH 29-535 PS.

Another new feature of Ref. 5470 is that its 1/10 second chronograph function has two chronograph second hands. When the chronograph function is turned on, the two linked chronograph second hands start synchronously. The silver chronograph second hand moves a circle in the standard 60 seconds, and the red hand moves a circle every 12 seconds. The former is used to judge the seconds, and the latter can judge the more accurate 1/10 second scale, thereby greatly improving the readability. For this reason, the dial layout has also been cleverly arranged, such as the silver dot corresponding to the silver hand, and the red hand corresponds to the outer track scale. And you will find that its track scale is not continuous, but is based on every 10 scales, and the inside and outside are swapped, which can make the visual effect look clearer.

Patek Philippe uses two linked chronograph seconds hands, the silver hand rotates once every 60 seconds, and the red hand rotates once every 12 seconds, the latter is used to judge 1/10 seconds.

The case is inlaid with diamonds at 6 o’clock, which is the symbol of Patek Philippe’s platinum model.

Patek Philippe also changed the chronograph function this time to a single-button chronograph, using a single button at 2 o’clock to complete the three steps of starting, pausing, and returning to zero. Patek Philippe’s single-button chronograph function is already very rare. Before 2010, there were Ref.5959 and Ref.5950 with single-button double-chase chronograph, and Ref. 5372 single-button double-chase chronograph plus perpetual calendar. As for this Ref. 5470, it is also a single-button chronograph, and it is a “real” single-button configuration (the single-buttons mentioned above actually have a coaxial button on the crown due to operational factors), which is unprecedented.

The new Ref. 5470 has a total of 31 patents, 7 of which are for this new device. On the other hand, the Oscillomax® silicon escapement is used in the watch, which is the second time it has been used in a mass-produced watch after the 5550P. The watch has a 41mm platinum case, a blue dial, red hands, and a cowhide strap with the same color and stitching. It is a chronograph with a strong sporty appearance.