Making its global debut as a limited-edition platinum masterpiece at the Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition “Watch Art” Tokyo 2023 (5308P-010), the 5308 now takes its place in the brand’s current collection.

A true marvel of miniaturisation and energy efficiency, this self-winding Quadruple Complication showcases exceptional craftsmanship. It features a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph enhanced by two newly patented mechanisms, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar with aperture displays - a testament to Patek Philippe’s relentless pursuit of horological excellence.

As one of the many releases from Patek Philippe at Watches and Wonders 2025, the 5308 is nothing short of a showstopper. 

In 2008, Patek Philippe reaffirmed its unrivalled mastery of Grand Complications with the introduction of Reference 5207 - a ground-breaking addition to its regular collection. With a modern aesthetic and a subtle sporty edge, this timepiece marked the dawn of a new era: Grand Complications designed for everyday wear.

Now, by evolving from a triple to a quadruple complication, Patek Philippe continues to push the boundaries of fine watchmaking, crafting true works of art. The latest innovation? The integration of a split-seconds chronograph (rattrapante)—a mechanism as sophisticated as it is rare. Alongside the minute repeater and the tourbillon, the split-seconds chronograph is regarded as one of the three most challenging complications to produce, making its inclusion a true horological feat.

Designed for connoisseurs of haute horology, the new self-winding Reference 5308 brings together four exceptional complications, three of which, the minute repeater, instantaneous perpetual calendar, and split-seconds chronograph, are already considered Grand Complications in their own right.

As part of this ground-breaking new model, Patek Philippe has also focused on optimising the split-seconds chronograph to reduce energy consumption, introducing two major innovations:

1. The Coupling System

In a horizontal-clutch chronograph, the seconds wheel and chronograph wheel (which drives the sweep seconds hand) are traditionally connected via a clutch wheel controlled by the clutch lever. To prevent unwanted vibrations of the sweep seconds hand, conventional chronograph wheels typically incorporate a friction spring that applies slight resistance - though at the cost of increased energy consumption.

Patek Philippe has eliminated this energy loss by replacing the standard toothed clutch wheel with an innovative backlash-compensation wheel, ensuring smoother operation without the need for friction-based stabilisation.

2. Isolating the Split-Seconds Hand

The second patented breakthrough refines the split-seconds mechanism, located beneath the chronograph module. In traditional designs, when the split-seconds hand is stopped (as the clamp jaws close to record an intermediate time), the split-seconds lever continues rotating around the chronograph heart-piece. This constant movement creates friction, further consuming energy.

By engineering a solution to isolate the split-seconds hand, Patek Philippe has significantly reduced energy loss, enhancing efficiency while maintaining the precision and reliability expected from a Grand Complication of this calibre.

The minute repeater, chiming on two classic gongs, delivers the legendary sound quality that defines Patek Philippe’s chiming watches.

This highly sophisticated mechanism, composed of intricately arranged racks, snails, hammers, and gongs, is activated by the slide-piece set into the case band at 9 o’clock. On demand, it strikes:

• The hours on the low-pitch gong
  

• The quarters with alternating high- and low-pitch chimes
  

• The minutes elapsed since the last quarter on the high-pitch gong.

Achieving the unmistakable ‘Patek Philippe sound’ requires not only technical mastery but also years of experience, exceptional dexterity, and a finely trained musical ear. In keeping with tradition, Thierry Stern, president of the Patek Philippe, personally listens to the chime of every minute repeater before approving its delivery - ensuring each piece meets the brand’s exacting acoustic standards.

The new Quadruple Complication Reference 5308G-001 showcases an exquisite ice-blue sunburst dial, adorned with faceted applied hour markers and Dauphine-style hands, all crafted from white gold with blue metallisation.

Designed with both elegance and functionality in mind, the dial prioritizes legibility, ensuring that the thirteen indications powered by the calibre R CHR 27 PS QI movement are presented with absolute clarity.

At the heart of the perpetual calendar display, the day, date, and month are elegantly arranged in three apertures along an arc between 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. The date aperture is slightly larger, emphasizing its importance as the key calendar reference.

Two additional round apertures provide essential information for precise calendar adjustments:

• Day/night indication at 8 o’clock, ensuring accurate setting of time-sensitive functions.
  

• Leap-year cycle display at 4 o’clock, a crucial detail for maintaining perpetual calendar accuracy.

With its masterful balance of aesthetics and technical sophistication, the 5308G-001 stands as a testament to Patek Philippe’s pursuit of perfection in horology.

To encase this extraordinary mechanism, Patek Philippe has selected white gold, a choice that exudes both refinement and timeless appeal. Measuring 42mm in diameter, the case shares the same elegant proportions as Reference 5208, yet stands out with its concave bezel and skeletonised lugs, all meticulously hand-polished to perfection.

Enhancing versatility, the watch comes with two interchangeable case backs: a sapphire crystal back, offering a captivating view of the intricate movement, and a solid white gold back, for those who appreciate a more discreet aesthetic.

Completing its sophisticated design is a shiny navy blue alligator-leather strap, seamlessly paired with Patek Philippe’s newly patented triple-blade fold over clasp in white gold - ensuring both exceptional comfort and absolute security on the wrist.

With the 5308G-001, Patek Philippe has kicked off this year’s Watches and Wonders with undeniable brilliance. This show stopping timepiece sets the stage for an extraordinary line-up of impeccably crafted creations.

Stay with us as we continue to explore the brand’s latest masterpieces, delving deep into the innovation, craftsmanship, and ageless elegance that define Patek Philippe’s newest collection.