Collection
Cayenne1200 shares a compelling story of an unexpected acquisition: a Patek Philippe Ref. 5070G chronograph. His post delves into the initial ambivalence and eventual fascination with this large, distinctive timepiece, offering a candid look at a collector's internal debate. This article explores cayenne1200's journey with the 5070G, enriched by community insights on its unique appeal and the remarkable trust within the watch collecting world.
I made a thread about that nice Amagnetic at the Parma fair last Weekend. I didn´t go further due to its size.
On the next day I accidentally talked to an Italian collector who showed me his watches that he was considering to sell or trade. All of a sudden I had a PP model in my hands and on my wrist that has caused a lot of different feelings in me since long. It was the 5070 chronograph in white Gold. For many reasons I could never really like this model due to its obvious issues. On the other hand I have read so many positive comments on the 5070 here at Purists.
And then I unexpectedly held a 5070G in my Hands! My first thought was "Impressing size"! A really large watch indeed. Somehow nice and not nice at the same time. Ill-favoured and nevertheless fascinating for several reasons. I suddenly knew that I need more time with this watch and after 5 more minutes of thinking I decided to buy it. Now I have the chance to fight my personal struggle with the 5070 calmly. My first impressions were positive, also the reactions of my collector friends. But I find myself hiding the watch involuntarily under my sleeve when being talking to other people as I find it a bit braggy. I am very curious how this experiment will end and if the 5070 will get wrist time compared to my favourite watches. If not I will let it go again.
I would like to mention another point. The seller and I have never met before and we didn´t know each other from social media at all but only talked from breakfast table to breakfast table in our hotel. But nevertheless he made a price for the watch that was more than fair. As I did not carry such a significant amount of cash with me we discussed about the practical details of the deal. Then he said "To make things easy, take watch with you and wire the funds when you´re back home". I have got the watch including box and papers without leaving a single Euro as a safety! This is what I really like on the watch community, you often meet great and trustworthy people to talk to and sometimes to deal with. But the seller´s behaviour was an exceptionally positive experience for me!
Please wish me luck that my experience with the 5070 will become likewise positive.
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 LĂ©mania Ă©bauche, 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 will say this.... the Mona Lisa isn’t pretty, but she has “something” special. Congratulations on the 5070g. It’s a Watch that has an amazing pedigree. It takes time to understand it and appreciate it. Good luck with your journey.
Great story, thanks for sharing and look forward to reading how this relationship evolves.
the J is my personal favourite due to the mesmerizing colours of the case dial and markers .The piece you got is wonderful and the transaction details are lovely too and this piece was definetly not a safe queen before . congrats
An amazing story. I love the humanity that is exposed. That kind of trustworthiness is truly amazing. It is what makes the world and better place and gives us all hope for the future. The watch is stunning. I too am on trial with a cousin of the 5070, the 5270. The size is something to get used to. Please continue to post your impressions of the 5070 and of course post more pics. It is a classic that one cannot see enough times. Wear it in the best of health Congratulations CB
I took me also auite some time to get convinced but now I’m a huge fan. Enjoy in good health.
cayenne1200, What a fortuitous happenstance. It was meant to be. Even if you do not keep it into the future sunset, at least you can try it out for real. This case/dial colour combination is actually very discreet. One observation, please relax. Maybe your involuntary body language trying to "hide" the watch actually attracts more attention. Obviously, people are more focused on your face because the seller trusted what he saw there! Regards, MTF
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