White gold marvels
Although both feature a white gold case, a silver dial, and a chronograph movement based on the legendary Lemania 2310 , these two Patek Philippe watches are very different : Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 3970EG-016 with caliber CH 27-70 Q (30 x 7.2...
Both deeply gorgeous, HOWEVER...
Both of them feel somewhat compromised to me, but both show Patek's great finesse in those compromises. The 3970 is too thick for its diameter, the 5070 is too large in diameter for its movement. But Patek figured out how to make both work: the 3970 case ...
You point out very well the weaknesses of each one.
That said, when I first saw and then tried on the 3970 I was surprised to find that a lot of what we say about its thickness doesn't translate into reality: it sits very nicely on the wrist and is far from looking like a sandwich! As for the 5070, I've ne...
Without a breath of hesitation the 3970G.
The most proportionate and harmonious design for the Lemania movement. Everything is just the right size even the month/day displays. A grail of mine, which in current market prices will most likely stay a grail. Here, the P version, that was offered to m...
Gorgeous, I must say!
And, yes, in real life this watch lives up to its legend (and shows how some criticism are unfounded). Best, Emmanuel
Removing the straps really provides great depth to their sizes!
The 3970's proportions are just perfection!
The 5070 for me…
But the 3970 demonstrates that the 5070 could have been so much more (and a tad less myopic looking), if the case was similarly sized 😊👍🏻
At least the source of inspiration makes it clear why they chose to make a 42 mm case,
despite the smaller size of the movement. And they've done a great job, imo, even if I still have to see one in real life someday.
True - there is a historical inspiration…
Likewise with a slightly small movement for the case 😊
Yes, the movement is too small
and even if they have been clever “hiding” or minimizing this fact, it’s a fact nonetheless.
5070G for me
It is a very unique piece in my opinion. And even at 42mm it is an extremely wearable watch. For the record I have small wrists, so that says a lot. While the 3970G is a beautiful piece, for me the real winner would be the 5970, and in the R series. So in...
It's good to know, thank you Gatsby.
I really have to see a 5070 in person someday. I'm curious to see how it would wear on my wrist. Best, Emmanuel
Definitely 5070
3970 is just too small for me.. 5070s proportions work better for me and the case design is just way nicer I don’t mind the movement being undersized - what matters to me most is how it looks on my wrist (the view of the movement matter much less)
I fully understand your priorities and your preference!
The 5070 is very appealing. Best, Emmanuel
Hi Emmanuel, For me from an
aesthetic perspective and as well as wrist presence, 5070 is preferred. 5370 to me if superior in terms having a much smaller case to house the PC movement, as well as a very well balanced dial. Hence a tie for me 🤣