Collection
In this WatchProSite feature, original author cayenne1200 shares an intimate look at a friend's new Patek Philippe 5070G, alongside some horological 'colleagues.' This post sparked a vibrant discussion among collectors, delving into the aesthetic nuances and enduring appeal of Patek Philippe's iconic chronographs. Readers will gain insights into the design philosophy and collector sentiment surrounding these highly coveted references.
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 also vote for 5070G, still thinking about mine... (I mean my ex )
Always nice to meet another friend with similar tastes!
that white faced iteraction with Breguet numbers is a gem!
For such a seemingly monotone dial, the 5070G’s subtle textures and layers catch the light and reveal a brilliance of design. Patek did an excellent job with this one! Photo was taken with an iPhone and admittedly I could have done a better job at dust removal.
The 5070 is a bit of a cluttered mess in my opinion, especially considering how large of a watch it is. The subdials at 3 and 9 are too big (especially compared to other more beautiful 2 register chronographs like the 1463 or 3 register watches like their perpetual-chronographs), and the cut off numerals (3 4 8 and 9) don't allow for much negative space on the dial. I think the remake of the VC Cornes de Vache suffers a bit from this too (subregisters are a little too big IMO). Then again, this
As is the case with some watches, photos don’t seem to properly convey its overall appeal.
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