The rattrapante, or the split-seconds chronograph, stands at the pinnacle of high complication watchmaking. The mechanical chronograph is an endeavour in itself, so too the flyback chronograph. But the rattrapante is on another level, demanding horological perfection both in its design and in its execution.
Few watchmakers have ventured down the path of absurd complexity, and for good reason. It's a well known fact that many consider the rattrapante to be one of the most complicated, if not the most, haute horlogerie complications ever invented.
Here are 6 of the best rattrapante examples out there, ranging from the TAG Heuer Monaco and the Breitling Navitimer all the way up to the A. Lange & Söhne and the almighty Patek Philippe 5370P.
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph
Reference: CBW2181.FC8322
Case: 39mm x 15.20mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Calibre TH81-00
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 70 hours
The TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is the first true rattrapante on this list, and it perhaps is the most avant garde. It combines a historic aesthetic in the Monaco guise with a super contemporary design and modern materials. The end result is one of the finest rattrapantes around, and perhaps the only non-circular split-seconds chronograph out there.
Breitling Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45
Brand: Breitling
Model: Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45
Reference: RB0311E61F1P1
Case: 45mm x 15.50mm
Case Material: Red gold
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Breitling B03
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 70 hours
It's hefty, it's iconic and it's damn cool. The Breitling Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 in any metal is going to be a winner, but in red gold, as the kids say, this thing slaps. While the engagement of the chronograph and rattrapante pushers may not be as buttery smooth as some of the other models here, the Breitling Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 holds its own as a piece that needs a second or third look to really understand what lies under the hood.
IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium®
Brand: IWC
Model: Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium®
Reference: IW371815
Case: 44mm x 16.50mm
Case Material: Ceratanium®
Water Resistance: 60m
Movement: Calibre 79420
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 44 hours
For those looking for a stealthy take on the rattrapante, look no further than the uber cool IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium®. Its black on black on black look is broken up only by the smallest of margins, with a ring of red added to the rattrapante pusher and on the rattrapante seconds hand. Everything else is just almost inconspicuous. Add to that the real-world practicality of a day-date indicator and you have one of the most well rounded modern rattrapantes out there.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split-Seconds Chronograph
Brand: Parmigiani Fleurier
Model: Tonda PF Split-Seconds Chronograph
Reference: PFH916-2010002-200182-EN
Case: 42mm x 15mm
Case Material: Rose gold
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Calibre PF361 Chronor
Frequency: 5 Hz
Power Reserve: 65 hours
With the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split-Seconds Chronograph we have the only precious metal with matching bracelet rattrapante on this list. Clean lines, beautiful balance, perhaps a smidge thick, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split-Seconds Chronograph is almost the perfect all-metal rattrapante.
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante
Brand: A. Lange & Söhne
Model: 1815 Rattrapante
Reference: 425.025
Case: 41.20mm x 12.60mm
Case Material: Platinum
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: L101.2
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 58 hours
We're on the business end of things here, so with that comes the illustrious A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante. A piece that plays second fiddle to almost none, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante combines a very subtle aesthetic with one of the finest finished movements out there. A rattrapante for the ages.
Patek Philippe 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph
Reference: 5370P
Case: 41mm x 13.56mm
Case Material: Platinum
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Caliber CHR 29‑535 PS
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 65 hours
Last but most certainly not least is the Patek Philippe 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph. Immense, a bona fide legend, and one of , if not the most beautiful rattrapantes ever made, the Patek Philippe 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph is the ultimate exercise of Patek doing Patek. The Lange might be the Patek's closest rival, but the 5370P Split-Seconds Chronograph wins the battle of the rattrapantes by a country mile.
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