WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
59 replies17148 views7 photos
Miranda introduces the Patek Philippe Ref. 5172G Chronograph, highlighting its new white-gold case and blue dial as a significant evolution from the Ref. 5170. This post delves into the design philosophy behind Patek Philippe's latest classic architecture chronograph, emphasizing its blend of traditional movement architecture with modern aesthetic updates and patented innovations.
A new white-gold case and blue dial
The first chronograph of classic architecture for men endowed with a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Patek Philippe, Ref. 5170 (2010) appeared successively in yellow, white and rose gold, and in platinum.
The manufacture has now redesigned this emblema- tic model coveted by collectors, endowing it with a new, fully polished white-gold case with round guilloched pushers and three-tier lugs. Its subtle vintage touch is underscored by a cambered sapphire-crystal “box” glass extending across the bezel.
The dial is also sporting an all-new look with a blue background and contrasting white-gold applied Arabic numerals highlighted with a luminescent coating, white-gold baton-style hour and minute hands with pointed tips, also luminescent, a sandblasted central chrono- graph hand and a white, transfer-printed minute counter with its tachymeter scale – to which must be added the two railway-track scales encircling the small seconds and the chronograph’s 30-minute counter. All has been planned to ensure perfect legibility, whether in daylight or the dark.
The caliber CH 29-535 PS chronograph movement is notable for com- bining traditional architecture (column wheel, horizontal clutch and manual winding) with six patented innovations. The latter include optimized tooth profiles, improved adjustment of gear penetration, and self-adjusting reset hammers. It also boasts several technical fea- tures inspired by the same concern for functionality and performance, such as the instantaneous 30-minute counter. Its beauty and lavish finissage (including bridges with chamfered and polished edges and Geneva stripe decoration) may be admired through a sapphire-crystal case back.
The new Ref. 5172G-001 in white gold is worn on a hand-stitched calfskin strap in a shade of navy blue to match the dial, with a white- gold fold-over clasp. It replaces the previous Ref. 5170P-001 in platinum.
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5172
The Patek Philippe Chronograph reference 5172 represents a contemporary interpretation of the classic manually wound chronograph within the brand's collection. It succeeded the reference 5170, introducing updated case proportions and dial aesthetics while retaining the traditional two-register chronograph layout. This reference is distinguished by its round pushers and a slightly larger case diameter, offering a modern presence on the wrist while honoring Patek Philippe's heritage in complicated watchmaking. It is a key offering for collectors seeking a pure chronograph function without additional complications.
The 5172 is typically presented in a precious metal case, housing the in-house caliber CH 29-535 PS. This manual-wind movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, showcasing its traditional architecture and finishing. The movement provides a substantial power reserve, ensuring reliable timekeeping and chronograph operation. The front crystal is also sapphire, protecting a dial designed for legibility with applied numerals and a pulsometer scale.
This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate Patek Philippe's commitment to traditional haute horlogerie and the art of the manually wound chronograph. Its design cues, such as the syringe hands and applied Breguet numerals, evoke vintage chronographs while being executed with contemporary precision. The 5172 stands as a testament to Patek Philippe's enduring capability in producing high-quality, in-house chronograph movements, positioning it as a significant piece for enthusiasts of complicated timepieces.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k white gold
- Diameter
- 41mm
- Dial
- Blue
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
