Patek Philippe Ref. 5170G: A Collector's Enduring Favorite

jlux · 2020-05-25T06:57:38Z

Explore the Patek Philippe Ref. 5170G white gold chronograph with Breguet numerals. Discover why this elegant, versatile timepiece is a favorite among collectors, featuring detailed photos and community insights.

jlux

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

54 replies13880 views5 photos

Gerard (jlux) presents a compelling case for the Patek Philippe Ref. 5170G, a reference he believes was initially misunderstood by the community. His detailed photographs and personal reflections highlight the watch's elegance, versatility, and the exquisite finishing of its movement. Gerard's insights offer a fresh perspective on why this modern chronograph deserves a closer look from both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts.

This reference,when released, was not really embraced by the PP community.

Maybe it was the unforgotten ref.5070,maybe the launch in the not so popular yellow gold or maybe the (too)simple dial.

For me all this changed with the release of the white gold model with Breguet numerals: now we had a great modern chronograph with plenty of PP DNA.

More so, this is a watch that has been growing on me due to its great proportions,its elegance and versatility (you can wear this well with jeans).

Here some pictures:

I really do appreciate the finish of this movement: very clean and precise within the typical PP style.

Thanks for looking,

Gerard

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

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5170G, particularly the white gold model with Breguet numerals, offers a modern chronograph with significant Patek Philippe DNA, excellent proportions, and versatility for various occasions.
Despite initial community 'bashing,' the 5170G has garnered strong admiration from owners who appreciate its purity, proportions, and consider it a superior modern chronograph, even preferring it over the 5070.
The 5170G is highly versatile, with collectors enjoying it in casual settings and experimenting with various strap changes, such as Berluti-styled, olive, dark blue, and burgundy, to enhance its personality.
Some collectors question the community's preference for the 5070, noting that it often contradicts Patek Philippe enthusiasts' usual aversion to oversized watches with movements that don't match the case size.
The 5170's elegance, less cluttered dial, balanced case, and off-center subdials make it a highly desirable piece for many, with some considering it their next Patek Philippe acquisition.
Potential reasons for the 5170's initial lukewarm reception included the absence of leaf hands and the presence of a pulsation scale, which some found anachronistic.

The Discussion

ZSHSZ

May 25, 2020

This watch gave me countless sleepless nights...

Ravenart

May 25, 2020

I think true Patek collectors went for the 5070's and the 5170 was looked over during the Nautilus craze.

TeutonicCarFan

May 25, 2020

I can't imagine why, this watch is best

WH_

May 25, 2020

the 5070 is the love child of the PP community overall, and also here in WPS. I personally LOVE the 5170 white metal with black and white dials. It is so elegant, less cluttered, with a much more balanced case, and off-center subdials. It is really beautiful in my eyes, and is my next PP to buy.

K-

K-Lo

May 25, 2020

and great shots of the movement.

watch-er

May 25, 2020

I would also add any watch can be worn with jeans. Part of the mystique.

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Patek Philippe Ref. 5170G: A Collector's Enduring Favorite

About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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