Patek Philippe

Well, the pattern  fits neatly with Patek’s recent chronographs. We all know how desirable Patek chronographs are, the 5070 (read 993, last of the Lemania) has become a cult object especially when cased in platinum.

Then comes Patek’s 996 moment- the ref 5170. Yet it hardly deserves this “accolade”, it boasts an in-house movement with several novel patents, looks lovely and is beautifully finished. Then there is the variety, everything from Breguet numbers, pulsimeter scales and a sumptuous graduated blue dial. 

Yet the general consensus is a massive swing for the 5070.

You could be forgiven for giving up on this reference, which surely has a limited timespan left. This year we saw a new ladies reference, so we can safely assume there will a new reference for men on its way. |Who know what it will be like or the reception it will get.

So what of the future for the 5170? Surely a hopeless reference in terms of collectability?

This made me think of another “flop” when it comes to chronographs- the Rolex ref 6263/6265 – and I’m not even considering the Paul Newman’s here. 

For nearly two decades this reference was a disaster. Rolex nearly cancelled the whole idea of even having a chrono in its collection. In 19988 when the 16520 was already commanding £4000, you could get a 6263 for about £800! (new- from the shop)

Time however, has changed all that. It would appear some of the greatest ugly ducklings do become magnificent swans.

So what of the 5170? Swan or duckling? I think time is going to prove favourable for the 5170. It is a classic Patek, with historical significance. It won’t be quick, but we could see a 16520 effect, the release and probable popularity of a new Patek chronograph may well see the popularity rise. I am sure for one thing, the 5170 will be desirable by whole new generation of collector, and it will undoubtedly have its 6263 moment.