Description

The Patek Philippe 5070 is a chronograph launched at Baselworld 1998, initially in yellow gold, but with other metals following for the next 10 years until discontinuation in 2009. This model marked a milestone in the company’s history as the first “simple” chronograph since the vintage ref. 1463, over 30 years apart.

The watch showcased here is a very rare re-edition in yellow gold: reference 5070J-012 introduced during the brand’s 2015 Watch Art Grand Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Only a handful of pieces are believed to have been made, cementing its status as a highly collectible item. During that exhibition, other ultra-limited 5070s were released such as the 5070P-013 and 5070R-014 – which we both previously posted.

For the occasion, the regular production black dial was replaced with a striking brown sunburst dial beautifully complementing the yellow gold applied Arabic numerals and leaf-shaped hands. The dial is completed with a 30-minute register at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, as well as a minute track and a tachymeter scale. Another interesting detail includes the presence of the Calatrava cross on the crown.

Upon closer look, one will notice some small differences from the standard 5070 production. Namely, a different font used for the brand logo and updated printing for the numerals, giving them a sharper look than the gilt printing on regular 5070s. The subdials’ numerals are also further away from the chapter rings. Finally, some digits such as ‘4’ and ‘0’ in the scale and minute track have been reworked, e.g. the zeros being shaped like a letter ‘O’ in the Saatchi edition.

Inside the 42 mm 18k yellow gold case is the manually wound Caliber CH 27-70, based on the Lemania 2310 but fully reworked and finished by Patek Philippe. Visible through the sapphire case-back, it interestingly bears the Geneva Seal. This is because the ref. 5070 London re-editions used new-old-stock movements, adding to their rarity and explaining the absence of the Patek Philippe Seal.

A dark brown alligator leather strap with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp completes this elegant and very limited collector’s watch.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.