Patek Philippe

Most of you may have already seen this article but not me......I found it most interesting...

click here

 

"One new model proved to be especially challenging to create – the 5970, a perpetual calendar chronograph. “The challenge is that the old model – the 3970 – is a kind of icon. Recreating such a watch is not easy because you approach it knowing that it will be almost impossible to do better. And yet we did it. With this one, the design alone took two to three years to realize. Normally it takes 6 months. This one was very difficult.” Today Thierry is still very much involved in product design. “Nothing starts, and nothing can finish without my 100% involvement. Also, my wife is in charge of the creation department. For Patek, the product is the core of the business. If I were not involved with it anymore, it would not be Patek anymore.”

Thierry`s opinion is that the 5970 is better than the 3970....Interesting I agree 100% Mr Stern... All 5970`s are one of the most beautiful modern wrist watches made.....

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did....

Regards

Miles.

 

 

 

M.

stand out as Patek Philippe's grandest new reference from the first decade of the second millienium. Those of you whom were fortunate enough to acquire the 5970 I salute you, because you are wearing history on you wrist.

and indeed, fully agree that this reference stands to be one of the better modern watches PP has done. An instant classic that will still look good and begs to look better with the passage of time. Congrats indeed to the lucky owners of such.

Miles,

Thank you for sharing such an interesting article. Totally agree that the 5970 is one the most beautiful perpetual chrnos ever made by Patek.

Best wishes for 2010.

 

Jaime

I would agree the 5970 is indeed a very handsome watch that stands on it's own merits, but does not need to be compared to the 3970. From my own point of view I would be happy with either one of them.

The diameter to thickness ratio on the 5970 was imo of an improvement. Having the tachy dial gave the 5970 a vintage look, though if you do not use it for speed trials (which I am one) then it can appear busy. I like the rectangular pushers, again more of the vintage dna. All the 5970's are similar. If you ordered the YG the dial was silver, the platinum all the dials are black, etc. I am not saying this is a negative just lack of variety.

In defense of the 3970, the dial is uncluttered (plain?), but very easy to read. One of the strong points of the 3970 is the variety thats available. There were dials that were 2 tone, different colors, fonts, and hour markers. The case in some instances only came with a solid back or crystal back, while the later models with both. Some of the cases had large hallmarks on the side of the lugs giving a new look. This gives collectors much more variety and to some extent uniqueness.  

Both references have much to offer and both again IMO are at the peak of high horology. The sad part is that Patek no longer takes custom orders for dials, at least for 99% of owners. The reason for this, as I understand it was because of the speculative market. I do understand that to some degree, but for me it was about the chase for something different and perhaps unique and let the market place take care of the rest.

I think the 3970's are a good example of that. When the market was out of control the prices for some of the more unique models the prices were sky rocketing. Now that the market has deflated the price comparision between stock  vs unique pieces (3970's) are not that much different.

 

 

Firstly, thank you Miles for sharing this very interesting article.  In terms of comparing the two references, I think John summed up most of my thoughts. The 5970 is a better balanced watch (diameter vs. thickness), while the 3970 is more interesting to collect , due to all the various iterations of dials, hands, hour markers, font styles, hallmarks etc, etc.

The 5970 is truely an outstanding piece, and has tremendous wrist presence, and in my opinion is unmatched in the market place...regardless of price. 

I find the 5970 has a bit more of a sporty edge (case diameter, tachymetre dial certainly enhances that vibe), while the 3970 (especially, 1st and 2nd series) has more of a vintage, traditional appearance,.. a  very sublime, and elegant perpetual-chrono dress watch. I actually prefer the "classic" 36mm case size of the 3970, for more formal occasions.  

In fact, if you look at  fashion trends, "classic size" watches, seem to be having a bit of a come back and have been featured, as of late,  in quite a few magazines ie. GQ, Details etc.  I suspect the fashion trend to a slimmer silhouette in men's suits, shirts, ties, and other accessories is in keeping with the more "classic size" watches. The series "Mad Men" has certainly had a profound impact men's fashion.  Anyway, that's a different topic, for another time. 

Both the 5970, and 3970 are iconic Patek wristwatches. It will be interesting to see if the next reference can live up to it's past glories.

Cheers,

arolex:Arthur. 

ASAIK, many Asian collectors still prefer 3970...which looks very clear; elegant and the 36mm size is optimal for many Asians..and indeed 3970 is the continuation of the 4th Generation 2499!

I would say, different people will choose according to their preferences...the later model is not necessary better...To me, 5050 is much better than 5059/5159; 5015 is better than 5055/5054 and even 5712...

I would assume the Patek tries to produce different models in same movement in order to catch all potential customers...

JMHO,

Little 

what IF it was the other way around ??  That patek introduced 5970 as 3970 first, and what we are currently looking at, is 3970 only in a reference number 5970 ??  What then ?

Would we all praise the workmanship and its design, of the round pushers, the dagger batons, and the smaller case " comparing " to the retangular pushers, the leaf hands and the larger case .. ?

I enjoy owning both models, but i dont think i will place them side by side to compare.

The soon to be challenging part as collectors, is trying to find enough $$ when patek introduce the new model replacing 5970.  That to me, is going to be more than a challenge.  Image what the price tag will be ... ?!

 

M.

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Both pieces are worthy of the glory, that is placed upon them.

I am still getting over the piece in the interview.............Where Theiry mentions that some collectors have an estimated 500 Pateks in their collections!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now that I would love to see a photo of!!

M.

Hi Miles, thank you for the interesting article. I am awaiting to receive my 5970P as my AD claims it should arrive soon... I already own the 5970R and 5970J, and believe the 5970's are the summum and will be hard to beat. I also have a 3970R and a 3970P, but personally prefer the 5970's and the 5070P.

Hi Miles, thank you for the interesting article. I am awaiting to receive my 5970P as my AD claims it should arrive soon... I already own the 5970R and 5970J, and believe the 5970's are the summum and will be hard to beat. I also have a 3970R and a 3970P, but personally prefer the 5970's and the 5070P. Sorry, this message was already posted and I cannot erase one of them.

This message has been edited by mig on 2010-01-10 10:31:07