The Ref. 5070 was introduced in 1998, as the brand's first non-perpetual chronograph in over 40 years. Following the reference 1463, the 5070 was the latest chapter in a long legacy of great manually-wound, two-register chronographs.Remainingin its factory seal until very recently, this 5070G was thenfully serviced by Patek Philippe, havingbeen left completely unpolished and unworn since.

Inspired From the Past

Inspired by a unique split-second chronograph manufactured by Patek Philippe in the early 1950s (as the reference 2512), it was the first production wristwatch manufactured by Patek Philippe with a case size larger than 40 mm. It was originally produced exclusively in yellow gold, before later adopting the white gold case featured in this example.

Harking back to the much admired golden-era' ofPatek Philippe chronographs from the 1940s, the5070Gfeatures a silvereddial,with twocentredsubsidiary dials at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The dial is classically understated, balancing the inclusion of a tachymeter scale and outer railway-minute track perfectly.

The watch displays five hands - hours, minutes, and seconds for the time, with seconds and minute hands for the chronograph. Overall, the dial layout is cleanly designed, with the chronograph highly-legible in a variety of lighting conditions. The darkened, "oxide noir" applied Arabic numerals and hands offer enhanced readability, only seen on the 5070G for the standard collection. With its 42 mm case diameter, the size of the 5070 is unconventional by Patek Philippe standards - yet at 11.6mm thick, the stepped case wears comfortably on wrist

The Movement

The reference 5070G integrates Patek Philippes 24-jewel, manual-winding, CH 27-70 caliber, based upon a thoroughly re-worked Nouvelle Lemania 2310 ebauche, considered one of the finest chronograph movement designs ever produced. The movement is beautifully finished, with exquisite chamfering on all angles, polishing and decoration, in the form of Geneva striping. The movement uses a monometallic Gyromax balance wheel, with a high moment of inertia to guarantee timing stability, and beats at 18,000 A/h, with a power-reserve of approximately 60 hours. It's constructed with 24 jewels, a shock absorber device, and a straight-line lever escapement.

The Set

This Patek Philippe 5070G comes with itsoriginalCertificate of Origin (dated 2007) and accompanying materials, within the complete set. It also comes with itsoriginal inner and outer boxes. Thewatchremained within itsfactory seal until 2019, at which time the watch was fully serviced byPatek Philippe, though leftunpolished and unworn since. The cut factory seal is also included, along with theoriginal hangtag.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look