
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.


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