patekova
1431
After 14 years of involuntary hibernation would this highly complicated watch, a 5970J, know what do in the leap year? And the answer is ….
Before the answer, a little background. When I purchased this watch it was double sealed. Before unsealing it this past December I was told by a very high level Patek watchmaker, that it was extremely unlikely that the the calendar functions of the watch would work properly. I resigned myself to the likelihood that after finally unsealing it and awakening it fromi its hibernation, it was unlikely I would be able to wear it for several months due to it needing to be serviced. I thought to myself it’s now December with the leap year approaching, if I don’t unseal it now, when will I, if ever?
So with much trepidation and an equal amount of excitement, I cut open the seal and wound and set the watch. It was ticking and I was able to set the calendar functions. And over the next few days it seemed to be working fine. So far, so good. But, 3 big tests awaited.
1) At the close of December 31 would it switch over to January 1 and the leap year indicator advance to 4?
2) At the close of February 28 would the calendar switch over to February 29? And
3) At the close of February 29 would the calendar switch over to March 1?
To my extreme delight the answers are reflected in the photos.
Hope you enjoy the images and the story.
Best, Patekova
More posts:
After 14 years of involuntary hibernation would this highly complicated watch, a 5970J, know what do in the leap year? And the answer is ….
Before the answer, a little background. When I purchased this watch it was double sealed. Before unsealing it this past December I was told by a very high level Patek watchmaker, that it was extremely unlikely that the the calendar functions of the watch ...
Amazing that this grail
woke up from hibernation and did not skip a beat !👍 Glad the double-sealed got released to breathe ! Amazing story Patekova and thank you.
A perfect watch.
Nothing else to say here. Other than enjoy and wear it in good health!
So if the calendar function does not work properly what happens?
Does the watch stop around midnight and get bounded up trying to advance date from 29 to 1?
I would have been shocked
A watch at this level in the Patek range should be leaving the factory perfectly dialed in. I'm also sure that Patek uses only the highest grade synthetic lubricant and not subject to gumming up for a very very long time if ever. Therefore, I am not surpr...
Moral of the story...
Watchmakers not often correct in such matters. Nice for you to have one in the rare yellow gold no less. With synthetic lubricants for the jewels, voila. MSB
I sought the opinions of some dealers/collectors who had handled a lot of sealed watches. The consensus was that it was a crap shoot, maybe
50/50. From what I understand and from my own experience a time only watch that has sat around for years is more likely to work than a complicated watch. The Patek watchmaker I spoke with expected the watch would run but the calendar functions which are p...
So please it didn’t let you down.
A watch like this deserves to be worn, cherished,admired and thoroughly enjoyed. No watch should be kept sealed. For what possible reason ? I’m pleased for you. Enjoy. M.
Such a wonderful story and with a fairy tale ending, and they lived happily ever after.
Glad that you found this watch and took it out of its confinement to enjoy and cherish the moments that you pass with it. To many more leap years with it.
Thanks..
I can’t wait to try more casual straps but abit intimidated to change it myself
Your 5970J looks stunning.
...but I have faith that it would just work. Congratulations! Happy that my 2 Patek PCCs made that leap successfully too: Regards, Goh ...
Thank you for saying that. Your 2 PCCs look fabulous individually and together. Great strap choices! I have rarely seen images of
the G silver tachometer, non chin dial version. I imagine that it is relatively rare. Very, very attractive! I like it a lot,
