Without a doubt one of the most collectible modern Patek Philippe timepieces, reference 5020 was launched in 1992 as an alternative to the more classic 3970. It was the first time in the history of the company that the same perpetual calendar chronograph movement was available at the same time in two different references. Dubbed by Italian collectors of the time "Televisore” (TV screen) for obvious aesthetic reasons, as a matter of fact the market response to this model was less than impressive and indeed the reference was discontinued after eight years: one of the shortest production runs ever seen for a Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph. The consequence of this is the astounding rarity of this model, with maybe a couple hundreds examples in all metals produced. It took about 10 years for the market to re-appreciate the model: the purity of its mirror-finished retro lines, generous size, and overall incredible rarity – comparable to the that of vintage references – with time rendered the piece one of the most collectible and sought-after perpetual calendar chronograph models made by the house.