Credits: Article and images by Ian Skellern @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/08/31/split-decision-patek-philippe-reference-5370p-vs-a-lange-sohne-double-split-chronographs-an-owners-perspective/
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Why the Patek Philippe Reference 5370P is obviously better
But, really, on second thought the 5370P can’t be beaten. Can it?
In the spotlight: Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
Sure, the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split is a mechanical marvel, but collectors don’t live by function alone. The moment I saw photos of this watch I started to scheme about how I might possibly get one as it is just so, so lovely.
Black beauty: Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
The dial side is the first highlight: the jet-black enamel dial is, as far as I can tell, absolutely flawless, and in a straight fight far outdistances the dial of the Double Split in elegance and difficulty of manufacture.
The shaped Breguet numerals are the cherries on top of this confection, and while I find myself looking at the Double Split to check the time, my eye lingers much longer on the dial side of the 5370 and I find that a second look is often needed to check what the time was in the first place!
Try to look away: dial detail, Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
The 5370 wins for me in the case category as well with an assortment of curves, recesses, and shapes that set it apart from the Double Split’s well made but much more straightforward design.
Case profile, Reference 5370P split-seconds chronograph from Patek Philippe
And while the Double Split simply cannot be overcome from a mechanical perspective, the 5370 is itself no slouch in that department.
For me, the Patek Philippe has the advantage of classicism: from its flatter movement profile to the polished caps on its column wheels to its crown-mounted rattrapante pusher (as compared to the Lange’s button at 10 o’clock).
And in true Patek style the 5370’s Caliber CHR 29-535 PS contains some subtle improvements on past practice including a roller-equipped split seconds lever that keeps the two chronograph second hands absolutely, perfectly aligned one atop the other when reset to zero.
Tradition and innovation: Patek Philippe Caliber CHR 29-535 PS
For me there’s also something appealing about the simplicity of Reference 5370 relative not only to the Double Split but to other watches in the Patek line, including the Reference 5204 split-seconds perpetual calendar, a watch that is considerably more complicated but less attractive to me overall.
The 5370 does one thing and does it extremely well. And while, for instance, the 38-hour power reserve of the Double Split makes its dial-side power reserve indicator useful, the 55- to 65-hour reserve of the 5370 provides more of a cushion and allows for a simpler, cleaner dial that omits the reserve indicator.
Crunch time: which watch from a collector’s perspective?
When push comes to shove, as a collector you can’t buy, or keep, them all! So, for this collector which piece rises to the top of the list?
Is this the one? Movement view, A. Lange & Söhne Double Split
Happily, I’m not a speculator in watch values so I don’t need to think about future price movements with the exception of my usual concern about “getting hurt” should the value of either of these pricy pieces plummet.
On that criterion, there’s no clear advantage for either watch: the Double Split has traded in a predictable range on the pre-owned market for quite a while and seems to be on an uptrend these days.
The 5370P has the Patek Philippe name going for it as well as low production volume and broad acclaim as one of the most important Patek Philippe watches of recent times.
Who can resist this face? Dial detail, Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
When my pals and I talk about choosing between and among watches in our collections, we apply a number of hypothetical tests, including the “desert island” test and the “need to sell” test.
For me, if I apply the constraints of the former test – I can only keep one watch and will be taking it with me to a desert island – the Double Split wins the day for its functionality, versatility, robustness, and sheer fun of use.
On the latter test, however – I need to raise funds for a house, car, medical expenses, or even (gasp) other incoming watches and have to choose between one of these to sell – it’s the Patek Philippe that stays and the Double Split that goes to another happy home as there’s nothing else in my collection that captures my imagination with its beauty and refinement quite the way that the 5370P does.
What choice would you make? I conducted a quick poll on my Instagram page and the result was 14 to 12 in favor of A. Lange & Söhne with two tie votes – clearly opinions vary on this one, and I’ll look forward to hearing your views in the comments section!
Parting shot: A. Lange & Söhne Double Split and Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
Quick Facts Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
Case: 41 mm, platinum with pressed-in white gold cabochons on lugs and brand-characteristic diamond (signifying platinum) at 6 o’clock; interchangeable sapphire crystal case back and full platinum solid case back
Dial: gold with fired black enamel, applied Breguet numerals and markers and printed white scales including tachymeter
Movement: manually wound Caliber CHR 29-535 PS; 28,800 vph/4Hz; 55-65 hours’ power reserve with chronograph disengaged
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; 30-minute instantaneously jumping chronograph with split-seconds rattrapante
Production years: 2015-present
Price (2024): $297,530
Quick Facts A. Lange & Söhne Double Split
Case and dial: 43.2 x 15.3 mm, currently produced in pink gold with silvered dial; previously produced in platinum with black dial
Movement: manually wound Caliber L001.1 with 38 hours’ power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes; subsidiary hacking seconds; flyback chronograph with double rattrapante and precisely-jumping minute counters; UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator
Production: launched 2004, now out of production
Price: was $128,400 in pink gold, secondary market prices (2024) $75.000 – $130,000
* This article was first published on June 16, 2018 at Split Decision: Patek Philippe Reference 5370P vs. A. Lange & Söhne Double Split, An Owner’s Perspective.
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Why I Bought It: A. Lange & Söhne Double Split
Why I Bought It: Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
Credits: Article and images by Ian Skellern @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/08/31/split-decision-patek-philippe-reference-5370p-vs-a-lange-sohne-double-split-chronographs-an-owners-perspective/
