Patek Philippe Ref. 5370P: The Grail of Grails

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Patek Philippe Ref. 5370P's aesthetics are considered superior to the 5970P when viewed side-by-side, despite the 5370P's challenging market introduction during a shift away from dress watches.
• There's a perception that Patek Philippe produced the 5370P in higher quantities than the market could absorb, leading to its availability on secondary markets, which contrasts with the limited production narrative often associated with its black enamel dial.
• The 5370P was eventually discontinued, and while initially plentiful on the secondary market, its scarcity is expected to increase when collector demand for dress watches inevitably returns.
• The 5370P is one of only a few Patek Philippe models that truly resonate with some collectors, drawing comparisons to A. Lange & Söhne's 1815 Chronograph for its similar real black dial and white gold/platinum case combination.
• Despite its aesthetic appeal, the 5370P's fit can be challenging for some wrists, with one collector noting that even a 47mm Greubel Forsey felt better, suggesting a desire for a 2mm smaller case and improved lug design.
• The inclusion of lume on the 5370P's white gold hands is seen as a practical design choice, enhancing legibility on the black dial and aligning with the 'sporty' nature of a split-second chronograph.