Patek Philippe 5970G Movement Finishing
Complications

Patek Philippe 5970G Movement Finishing

By Incandenza · Sep 3, 2018 · 55 replies
Incandenza
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
55 replies32578 views2 photos
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Incandenza shares his experience with a newly acquired Patek Philippe Ref. 5970G, focusing on the exceptional movement finishing of this reference. He contrasts its artisanal quality, particularly the interior angles on the bridges, with the finishing found in more recent Patek Philippe in-house calibers. This post sparks a discussion on Patek Philippe's finishing standards over time and in comparison to other high-horology brands.

I have had the great fortune to acquire a 5970G, fresh from a service in Geneva. It is a beautiful watch on every level. 

The dial and the case are obvious standout features, but another aspect of the watch has captivated me: the movement. 

The movement is based on the Lemania calibre that we know and love, and which appears in a number of much cheaper watches. And yet it is finished in an absolutely stunning way. See the photo below for an example. 

In part, the quality of the finishing is attributable to the architecture of the movement. There are several places where the bridges contain interior angles, and these are much more difficult to finish (and much more impressive when done properly) than other types of angles. The finishing quality is truly top-notch. In some ways, it is significantly better than Lange. I have owned a Datograph and, whilst the colour palette of the movement and the overall architecture are absolutely stunning, I never found the anglage to be particularly great. The 5970 does not have anything like the depth of the Datograph movement, but I genuinely believe that the overall finishing is more artisanal and subtle. 

I was surprised by the quality of the movement because, in my experience, Patek does not excel at movement finishing. The recent in-house chronograph calibre is shiny and attractive, but it appears to have been designed in a way which deliberately eliminates all interior angles (and thus greatly reduces the need for any serious hand finishing). The main Patek base calibres - i.e. 240, 320, and CH29 - are not particularly well finished. It is a real shame that Patek did not continue the noble tradition of hand finishing that is exhibited in the 5970. 

These days, to get any serious hand finishing on a Patek, you need to spend serious money. You need to buy a 5370 (where the rattrapante movement is extremely striking) or a 5959 or a 3939, which cost far more than a 5970G (at least at the current, rather soft, secondary market prices). 

Why did Patek decide to end the tradition of hand finishing for all but the most expensive pieces? 









About the Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. 5370

The Patek Philippe Reference 5370 is a split-seconds chronograph, a complication highly regarded in horology. It stands out in the Patek Philippe collection for its focus on a technically demanding chronograph mechanism without additional complications, presented in a classic and refined aesthetic. This reference appeals to collectors who prioritize mechanical complexity and traditional watchmaking.

The watch features a 41 mm case, available in either 18k white gold or 18k rose gold, with a polished bezel. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CHR 29-535 PS, a movement known for its innovative split-seconds mechanism and column-wheel control. The power reserve is approximately 65 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial and offers a view of the movement through the case back. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

This reference is notable for its enamel dial, offered in black or white, which provides a depth and finish characteristic of high-end watchmaking. The 5370 appeals to collectors seeking a pure expression of a grand complication chronograph from Patek Philippe, valuing its technical execution and understated design. It represents a significant offering within the brand's complicated watch lineup.

Specifications

Caliber
CHR 29-535 PS
Case
18k White Gold or 18k Rose Gold
Diameter
41 mm
Dial
White or Black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
TH
thomaspp
Sep 3, 2018

I love all lemania based patek Chronos and always thought the finishing was top. I have never owned an in house patek chrono so can’t comment. Best

MI
Miles_151
Sep 3, 2018

What a lovely photographer you are as well as have exquisite taste in your Patek Choice. The 5970 already is recognised as one of the best PCC’s and will only become more so as time goes on. Hope you don’t mind but that movement shot is my new screensaver. 🙏🏼👍🏼😎 Enjoy your new masterpiece. Miles.

BA
baufoam
Sep 3, 2018

in years to come, what people will regard as “High-End Finishing” by Patek Philippe will not involve any work done by Philippe has made it very necessary for themselves to produce more watches than ever before. They really are a different company than when I started collecting in the 1990’s. They are SO big now and getting “Ultra High -End” must be the only niche where it makes financial sense for them to take the extra time and care (and spend the money). Patek service ( in my experience) is

MY
mywrongwrist
Sep 3, 2018

Respectable brand which probably is not anymore what it used to be, they decided to leave amazing finishing only for pieces fhey can charge a retail price with, despite hand finishing, can assure them a hefty margin And then maintain then their status to increase by 20% the Nautilus tange in one day with no particular reason, reducing only a bit the production hence the availability My 2 cents Beat Luca

PA
PakSu
Sep 3, 2018

Silicoum pallet and escape wheel some movements...very cheap ”hand made ” watches...😄😄

IM
ImranLondon
Sep 3, 2018

Do you think 🤔 using new material and technology lessens a watch? I am interested in your opinion , I find it interesting how collectors think, perhaps you could give some technical aspects to your viewpoint ( which I respect btw) Do you think for instance moving from swan neck to gyromax was similarly a retrograde step? Best Imran

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