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 mm - 18,000 vph / 2.5 Hz). Introduced in 1996. Dimensions: 36.2 x 13 x 43.6 mm. Lug width: 19 mm
Chronograph Ref. 5070G-001 with caliber CH 27-70 (27 x 5.57 mm - 18,000 vph / 2.5 Hz). Introduced in 2002. Dimensions: 42 x 11.8 x 48.3 mm. Lug width: 21 mm
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 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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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)
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 🤣