Based on the novel entitled “John MacNab” by John Buchan in 1925, the “MacNab” has become something of a legend amongst hunters. Explained briefly, it involves the bagging of a stag, a salmon and a brace of grouse within one day (between dawn and dusk). The Field magazine describes it as a thrilling test of sporting skill. It could have been pheasant, rabbit or pigeon. But Buchan decided on stag, salmon and grouse. Buchan originated the idea, so although there have been variations on the theme, stag, salmon and grouse remain the authentic “MacNab”.

On this forum, one often hears the description of “hunting" a watch. Indeed, many collectors will attest to the fact that the hunt for a watch is one of the most exciting elements of watch collecting.  The planning and execution of a strategy can bring a great deal of enjoyment.

Well, all this talk of hunting and MacNabs got me thinking. Within the watch manufacturers that i collect, do i have my own specific version of a Patek Philippe “MacNab”?

Lets bend the traditional rules somewhat as capturing watches within one day (between dawn and dusk!) is unrealistic. Of course, that doesn’t change the nature of the hunt as defining the three targets is really the objective.

My objective in this instance concerns modern Patek Philippe. What would I consider the Patek Philippe “modern” MacNab?

On this front, for my tastes, it would be quite easy to identify. Three chronographs.

The 5070p.

The 5970p.

The 5370p.

One simple chronograph. One perpetual calendar chronograph. And one split second chronograph.

All manual wind.

All platinum.

Now, of course, this permutation does allow some flexibility. The 5070 and 5970 come in several different metals. My version is the “Platinum MacNab". If/when Patek Philippe release alternative metals for the 5370, then perhaps we will see a rose gold Macnab possibility? Or maybe a yellow gold? Or white gold? At this point in time, only the Platinum is possible.

The irony for me is that the hardest of them all to acquire is the very first Patek Philippe that I ever bought. The 5070P.  I bought it in 2009. I saw it and just had to have it. I opened the plastic…it was born with me. It has been loved ever since. So much has been written about the 5070…..no need for me to wax lyrical here.

To be honest, within Patek Philippe, there are times when i see a watch and just completely fall for it. That happened last year when i saw the 5370P. The split second complication is the only variant of that nature in my collection, and such a cool complication. The level of finishing on the 5370P is something quite spectacular. The case design is just astonishing. The applied Breguet numerals..uhmmm… Further, with that deep black enamel dial. The decoration of the movement. I saw it and uhmmmmm. I opened the plastic and it was born with me.

The 5970P is something of a problem watch for me. I have owned it before, from new. Over the last decade or so, I have sold very few Patek Philippe. Most of the Patek Philippe watches that i have ever bought are still in my collection. Regrettably, the 5970P is one of the very few that i bought and foolishly sold. I was naive when I sold it back in 2010. Re-buying a watch that one previously sold is something that is very hard to do. So, when the chance came up to complete the Platinum Macnab, I decided to do so. Almost 7 years after I first sold it, I took the plunge and re-bought the 5970P. The balance of the dial on the 5970 is something that, for me, is the closest Patek Philippe have got to capturing the magic of the 2499 for a perpetual chronograph. The dial balance is a dream. I am also a sucker for platinum cases contrasted with darker dials….I find the contrast alluring.

The 5070. 5370. 5970………a true “70s” club.

The Platinum Macnab!