Vintage
Nicolas (amanico) presents a rare Patek Philippe 5070J 'Saatchi / London Edition,' a micro-edition of five pieces featuring a yellow gold case paired with an elegant brown sunburst dial. This post highlights the allure of limited-edition variants and the distinct aesthetic choices that differentiate them from standard production models. The discussion explores collector opinions on the 5070's size and its unique appeal.
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.
and I was surprised it sold for a whooping 240.000 euro in less than a week If the owner is 'one of us' and doesn't like the fact I told the price ... please delete the number
... the 5070 the more I like it. This color combination is particularly nice. I just cannot get around the problem of the size. The watch looks a bit silly on the wrist as it is just too large. What a pitty. This size will age very badly, I am afraid :-(
Even if I don't see it aging badly... Best, Nicolas
are the best Chronograph. My mind can't stop battling as they best each other perpetually in recto and verso. So hard to tell which one is best as they both are perfect in different way.
Due to the bad stories about it
I don't under the 5070 however, and I realize I'm not alone as there appear to be two very distinct camps in terms of opinion on this reference. For me, the answer is as simple as yours perhaps. Size. For me it's too big, for you it is not. I will concede however that the more and more I see this reference the less I'm inclined to just write it off!
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