Patek Philippe 5970 vs 5070 & VC Malte 47212

amanico · 2012-05-23T02:15:38Z

Compare Patek Philippe 5970 vs 5070 and Vacheron Constantin Malte 47212. In-depth review of chronograph perpetual calendar watches.

amanico

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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Nicolas (amanico) offers a detailed comparison of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5970 and Ref. 5070, exploring their distinct personalities despite shared chronograph functionality. His analysis extends to a compelling comparison with the Vacheron Constantin Malte Chronograph Perpetual Ref. 47212, providing valuable insights for collectors weighing these high-complication timepieces.

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I recently had the pleasure to see a 5970 in the flesh, and to play with it a whole afternoon.

My interrogation was to know if, for a 5070 owner, the 5970 was not a bit too " redundant ".

After all, the 5970 is a Chronograph, too.

But not only, as you all know.

I would say that the 5970 has a different personnality.

While the 5070 is, to me, an elegant and discrete sporty chrono, the 5970 is more on the elegant and refinement playground, due to the addition of the perpetual calendar, to these lugs which are differently shaped, and to the more modest dimensions ( 40 mm instead of 42 mm for the 5070 ).

The bezel, and the shape of the chrono pushers are different, too.

More sophisticated, the 5970 is, and the reduced volumes contribute to this feeling.

The very good thing is that the legibility is assured, due to the windows for the day and month, and the dedicated dial for the date.

For once, a perpetual calendar combined to a chronograph, is easy to read, as the 2 complicatons are clearly separated.

The dial, well balanced, is not too busy, and shows a certain elegance.

The Moonphase brings a touch of life and contrast to dynamize the silver and understated dial:

So, yes, to me, the 5070 and the 5970 are really complementary, not redundant at all.

Each of them has its own charms:

The other question, much more difficult to answer, was to try to guess which one, of the 5970 or of the Vacheron Chronograph Perpetual Malte, Ref 47 212, is the more appealing.

To me, they are very close, in the spirit, and in the look.

The VC is a tad bigger ( 1 more millimeter ), and looks a bit thicker, too, but these special lugs, and the grained dial are just devastating:

You will notice the same separation of the complications on the VC, as well as the same legibility.

I must admit a slight preference for the Vacheron, for its additional touch of elegance ( grained dial ) and for its superb lugs.

But I guess that choosing between these last 2 references is just a delicate and sublime dilemma.

Now, if we have to confront the Black 5970 in its platinum version and its E.S Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, I think I will have a different conclusion, because of the sublime strenght of the Patek:

Looking forward to hear your opinions,

Best.

Nicolas.

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5070

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.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.CH 27-70

Case: 18k yellow gold

Diameter: 42mm

Dial: black

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe 5270G is seen as a 'fine-tuned version' of the 5970, with its dial texture and case proportions growing on collectors over time, sometimes surpassing the 5970 in appeal.
The 5070 is characterized as a strong, eye-catching, and sporty chronograph with personality, while the 5970 is described as elegant, refined, and smaller, embodying perfection with subtle curves and a balanced, legible dial.
The rose gold Patek Philippe 5970R is highlighted for its warmth and romantic complication, with some collectors preferring it over the white metal versions, which are perceived as more 'all business'.
The black dial of the Patek Philippe 5970P is noted for its sublime strength, potentially shifting preference even when other factors favor the Vacheron Constantin Malte.
A key design 'flaw' in the 5070 is identified as the sub-dials cutting across hour markers, which some collectors find unacceptable, leading to a preference for the 5970's more traditional lug style.
Owners of the Patek Philippe 5970G are encouraged to experiment with different strap colors (blue, black, gray) to enhance the watch's aesthetic appeal, suggesting that the original brown strap may not be optimal for the silver dial.
The 5970 is considered the epitome of Patek Philippe, with a strong heritage that makes it a compelling choice over the Vacheron Constantin Malte, despite the latter's elegance.
The Vacheron Constantin Malte is noted for a 'flaw' in its leap year hole, which some feel detracts from an otherwise beautiful dial, while the 5970 is praised for its perfect, legible dial.

The Discussion

4Js

May 23, 2012

I concur with all your points except one

I have been through your analysis in my mind what seems like forever. I want to focus on your last comment. I disagree that changing to the 5970p swings the analysis. The base strengths of the VC over the 5970 are still there. The swing factor to the soul is the black dial. I think you need to stay with your full analysis and start with the VC. If funds permit take the black beauty too! I believe we have a Purist who has done just that, but I don't know the order of purchase. If funds don't perm

amanico

May 23, 2012

The strange thing i that I don't feel the 5970P as a popular piece.

It seems that many prefer the 5970G to the P. While I tend to prefer the P over the G. To each his own;, I presume. As for the choice between the VC and the PP QP Chrono, I can say that I would be happy, very happy witth any of these 2. Both would be an insane pleasure. Best, Joe, and thanks for your input. Nicolas

4Js

May 23, 2012

That's becuase you and I love the black dials

But yes, when you look over the Purists posts, it seems more own the g over the p. I've seen both in the flesh. I'll still take the p. Something else, the cost upgrade to get a p is crazy, not that a g is for the faint of heart! Joe

amanico

May 23, 2012

I would be very happy with a G, but in exctasy with a P. :) [nt]

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cisco

May 23, 2012

Marvellous pieces

Thanks for your post Nicolas For the comparison between 5070 and 5970 they are so different, nearly opposite. The 5070 is strong, catch your eyes and you heart, hate it or love it. Strength because of its case and dial, class imho goes with this fantastic chronograph, elegant? yes it is but this is not the first word that comes to my mind. It is much more present on the wrist than the 5970. The 5970 is elegant, that's definitely the word. It looks smaller, the case is full of subtle curves, the

cisco

May 23, 2012

Forgot the Vacheron !

Between 5970 and VC this is a bit the same story like between the 5070 and the 5970, personnality against perfection. Complicated... cannot compare them, I prefer the sensual curves of the Patek case, but the Vacheron Dial is to die for. For me they are equal, the VC especially the 47212 is more exclusive and it has the perfect combination of metal and dial. If we include another parameter outside passion, I would go directly to the Vacheron for what it offers for the price and its exclusivity.