Vintage
Bruno.M1 unveils an exceptionally rare Patek Philippe Ref. 5070 in white gold with a salmon dial, distinguishing it from the already unique London Saatchi exhibition piece. This post delves into the subtle yet significant variations that elevate certain bespoke Patek Philippe chronographs to an even higher echelon of rarity and collector desirability.
(greetings from Rome) - Edited by Mark: done.
The Patek Philippe reference 5070, part of the Complications collection, marked a significant return for the brand to large-format chronographs. Introduced in 1998, it was the first non-perpetual calendar chronograph produced by Patek Philippe since the reference 1463, which ceased production in the early 1960s. Its design drew inspiration from a unique Patek Philippe aviator's watch from the 1940s, characterized by its prominent case and dial layout, yet reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. This reference established a new aesthetic direction for the brand's chronographs, moving towards more substantial case dimensions.
The watch features a 42mm case, initially offered in 18k yellow gold, housing the manual-winding Caliber CH 27-70. This movement, based on a Nouvelle Lémania ébauche, was extensively finished and modified by Patek Philippe, meeting the brand's stringent quality standards. It provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The dial, in this specific configuration, is black, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The fixed bezel frames the dial, and the watch is typically fitted with a leather strap.
Reference 5070 appeals to collectors interested in modern Patek Philippe chronographs that combine traditional movement architecture with a more contemporary case size. Its limited production run and the subsequent introduction of variants in other precious metals contribute to its collectibility. The reference represents a distinct period in Patek Philippe's chronograph history, bridging vintage inspirations with a new era of larger watch designs.
I prefer the leaf shaped hands, but the dial is even nicer, according to my taste, than the " out of range " salmon one limited to 5 pieces. Except the luminous dots, which are too much, IMO. As for this article, I have no problem with it, since you are Mr 5070 and that you did an amazing work on this reference. Now, this raises another observation... Or question: How many different variations will be discover? Tsss... Best, Nicolas
Yes, that one.... thanks for the picture Nico are there others? Don't know but if I find them I will put them on that blog too
If something is already very sought after, some clients just want a little extra thing like said, there are a few unique 5970 out there do you remember all thoses ultra high end grande complications from some time ago , a celestial, a skymoon a repeater... mr erik clapton gets what he wants lol and he is fore sure not the only one If I would own 50 grande complications I would ask a unique 5070 too... palladium ! other brands do it too nico, I know a guy who has a few ultra complicated jlc ( gyr
- Re editing pieces which were discontinued some 6 years ago is strange. - Pricing them twice the price of the current equivalent in the production is not a good message ( for the current production which is presented as a technical improvement ). - Making some pieces uniques in the current production, why not... - Except if these pieces uniques are made from limited editions. - Making too many iterations of limited editions presented as exclusive offers is not a mark of respect. And the Gyrotou
But let's look at the issue from another angle: I guess that we all agree that these pieces do not lower the "value" of the old 5070. Do the people who got one of these Special Edition 5070 complain? If not, what's the problem??? It is naive to cry about the prices. Bentley is asking € 5,950 plus VAT for the touring package of Bentayga (=a bit of additional electronics). It's my decision to take it or not. Patek's right is to do what they want with their inventory and price the same based supply
Dear Nicolas, We already had this disccusion in the other post (and before) and, don't take it wrong, but I really find your interventions are partial. Everybody is free to express opinions of course but in each post you try to find the most negative things, anytime you can (Patek is not the only one). You're someone very knowledgeable with a strong vintage historical experience and I respect you as many here but this is annoying when done repeatedly and when it seems to be "biased". We're here
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