The Ref. 5070 was introduced in 1998, as the brand's first non-perpetual chronograph in over 40 years. Following the reference 1463 (ceased in the 1960s), the 5070 was the latest chapter in a long legacy of great manually-wound, two-register chronographs.

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

Harking back to the much admired golden-era Patek Philippe chronographs of the 1940s, this 5070G has a silvered?dial, with two white?subsidiary 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 and darkened, applied Arabic numerals offering enhanced readability. With its 42 mm case diameter, the size of the 5070 is unconventional by Patek Philippe standards - yet at 11.6mm thick, its stepped case design is typically considered, and wears comfortably on wrist.

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.

This Patek Philippe 5070G comes on a black alligator strap and corresponding white gold buckle. The watch is complete, with its original box and papers from the manufacture.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look