Breguet

Certainly, you are also aware of the existence of the uber version of this timepiece: the split-seconds chronograph. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to find, as production numbers are extraordinarily low. While I don’t have official figures, I wouldn’t be surprised if the total number produced is below 100 pieces. I say “total” because during the brief period it was manufactured, two versions were created: the ref. 3947, with the split-seconds pusher positioned at 10 o’clock, and the ref. 5947, where the pusher is seamlessly integrated into the winding crown.

Of course, this is a matter of personal preference, but for me, the ref. 5947 is by far the most elegant of the two.

From "a collected man"

• "The Split Seconds
• This Breguet ref. 3947 integrates an unusual and distinctive split seconds function. The sophisticated complication controls the two chronograph hands, one of which may be stopped to measure an intermediate or lap time, or to retain a reference time, while the other continues its course unaffected. When released, the spilt-seconds hand instantly catches up with the primary hand and the two stacked hands move together. Breguet used the Lemania 2320  as their ébauche, which is perhaps the most respected manual-wind, column-wheel chronograph ébauche from the 20th century. It is believed that only two manufactures have attempted to build a split seconds version of this Lemania ébauche - Patek Philippe, with their reference 5004, and Breguet.Though simple in appearance, split seconds chronographs can be particularly difficult to produce, hence why so few watchmakers have tackled the complication. One challenge is that the force needed to activate the various chronograph hands, and their jumping motion, can negatively affect the movement - this is known as rattrapante drag. To tackle this hurdle, Patek Philippe created a second mechanism known as an isolator, that sits on top of the split-seconds brake. Breguet adopted a similar approach, by also having an isolator mechanism, which they borrowed from the Frédéric Piguet 1185."

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to purchase the Breguet Rattrapante. My search was initially focused on a simple chronograph, and while there is a significant price difference between a basic chronograph and a split-second, I couldn’t afford to hesitate. I seized the chance and bought the 5947.