This has to be one of the best posts for a very long time. About a year ago, I was curious as to what reference was viewed as a "favourite" for the participators on this site. I think there were hundreds of votes for top 3. The questin was not about which watch was the most expensive, or most prestigious etc, it was couched as being which watch was the "favourite" for PP afficionados. Top of the lust (sorry i meant list) was the 5070. As you point out, the metal tastes across the four versions can vary. For me, the P is my top dog because of that blue dial and how it is offset by the white metal. But taste, as you point out, is personal and there is no right nor wrong. 5070s, in all their forms, appear to have an iconic status amongst PP wearers. I think your post dissected the problem of identifying just what it is that places the 5070 in this iconic status. You examine each area with intense scrutiny. For me, some things stand out...such as the fact that the Nouvelle Lamania needed to be fitted into the case, and that PP had to find a way of doing that without making the watch look like it had been sunk. It is an imperfection in the watch, but actually (and I know people disagree), I think it is an imperfection that makes the watch more appealing. Likewise, the multi-level bezel....to me that is a very attractive feature and the attention to detail on the lugs with the same multi-level...as you point out. All the tiny factors that add up in your post highlight one thing to me. That is that I am really not at all sure what it is that makes the 5070 iconic. It just is.
There is a very good bood by Gladwell called "Blink". In it, he describes how instant reaction is often a very accurate way of defining multi-complex issues. Stunningly complex problems can often be evaluated by instinct. The first PP that ever did that to me was the 5070P. I saw a picture of it. I went to a dealer who had a mock version to wear. And then i knew i had to have one. It remains the jewel in my collection. Not because of its value, but because it knows it is the King. Why, i really cannot pinpoint it, but I appreciate so much this post as i know i will re-read it many many times in an effort to understand why it is such an icon. I suspect it is a little bit like the Mona Lisa. Technically, its not a great picture. But there is just "something" about it that makes it iconic.
Many thanks again for this awesome post.