Collection
Thomaspp offers a candid comparison between two significant Patek Philippe platinum chronographs: the Ref. 5070P and the Ref. 5170P. His personal ownership of the 5070P provides a unique lens through which to evaluate the newer 5170P, highlighting key differences in design, movement, and collectability that continue to resonate with collectors today.
Hello friends. Since I posted something similar on another online forum (where I am more active - apologies!) I thought I would share here as well as I have great respect for all of you here and would like to hear your thoughts!
Let me start by saying that I own a 5070P and it (is/was) a grail watch for me, so yes I am biased I suppose. But trying to stay "objective" I will share my modest thoughts on this. Last night I had the opportunity of seeing the 5170P in the flesh, so a comparison was just the natural thing to do... although some would argue a comparison of these two is not even possible as each have their own pros and cons.
Let me start by saying that the 5170P was much better in the flesh than
expected. The dial is really quite bright and more playful in the light than the
5070P. Now, here are my thoughts:
1. Markers: the diamond markers on the 5170P are
not as obvious as in pictures. But I can't get over it, and would prefer not to
have diamonds on the dials of my watches. I know this is a personal thing and
some people don't mind it and some actually like it! I have trended towards more classic watches and so prefer sans diamonds.
2. Case: The case of
the 5170P is better in size for me (smaller) but it lacks character in my personal
opinion. The 5070 with the stepped case is just cool and more unique. The case of
the 5170 could pass for the case of many others in the collection.
3.
Hands: I prefer the look of those on
the 5070. See what I mean in the pictures below.
4. Dial: The gradient dial on the 5170P is nice and playful in
the light, but the dial of the 5070 is more subtle, more toned down and more
"refined" if you will.
5. Movement: The 5170P I had was a non-working
watch, but from the 5170s I've handled, yes the 5170 seems to work smoother. But
frankly once you get into collectible watches it is hard to beat the Lemania
based caliber in the 5070 with its dramatic swans and incredible finishing.
6. Production and demand: The 5070 has passed on to be a fairly iconic
Patek of the pre-Thierry era of Patek, made in fairly limited numbers
(especially the P with approximately 200 believed to have been made) and when
made was the first chronograph only watch Patek had made in many many years. The
5170 still have a lot to prove in terms of collectability (and in the auction room!) I am afraid and we can
only guess how many of the 5170Ps will be made.
Anyway, like all watch collecting, very personal of course, but thoughts I would share my thoughts and look forward to hearing whether you agree or disagree. Sorry for the not so great pictures. Be well and see you in NY in July!
Say what you will, but not many things can beat two magnificent platinum PATEK manual wind chronographs on your wrists! One on each!
I have added more picutres on instagram @watches_anonymous
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.
That being said, I haven't seen the 5170p in the flesh yet and judging by the pictures and comments I've seen about it so far, I really need to see it, before I can judge it.
The 5170 excels in: --new movement. Patek's re-worked Lemania is no slouch, and a classic, but all things considered I would prefer the new movement. --better size. Nothing wrong with 42mm, but closer to 40mm is a better size (totally subjective, of course). On your particular preferences for the 5070, I agree with all of them. All things considered, if choosing between the two, it would be an easy choice in favor of the 5070P. Cheers, John
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us in such a respectful and open way, it was very interesting reading and it will be much appreciated since there are a lot of people who were interested by the first pictures they saw from the new 5170P. I have seen it too and I won't compare it with the 5070P right now as everybody should be able to have seen both in the metal to judge fairly. I think the 5170P is very modern in its decoration even if very classical from the whole case's design. The diamon
Thank you for your kind reply Mark. I hope to meet you in NY for the exhibition. All the best!
I was lucky enough to be able to see both even if notbside by side and agree with no reserve with each and every remark you made for each point (case, dial, hands, caliber...). Definitely the 5170 is a very nice chrono, but undoubtly I would vote for the 5070 P if I had to make a choice between both. Enjoy yours a lot, it is a fantastic piece. My 2 cents... Mike
For me I am still unsure the "indices" on the 5170P I love the case and dial layout However having seen a 5070P in the flesh , it us a very hard watch to beat Julian
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 34 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
