The Patek Philippe reference 5070 was the first chronograph-only wristwatch released by the firm since the 1960s when production of the iconic water resistant reference 1463 ceased. Introduced in 1998 at Basel, it was something of a shock to collectors that Patek would choose to reintroduce their chronograph-only line in such bold fashion – particularly the oversized 42mm case diameter and the dramatically thick, stepped bezel. First released in 18K yellow gold with a black dial, such as the present example, the manufacture drew inspiration for the design of the 5070 from a unique, split-seconds chronograph wristwatch from the early 1950s: the extraordinary reference 2512, which measured at an incredible 46.2mm in diameter with influences from the Art Deco period and large aviator’s watches. The reference 2512 is currently housed in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.

Later produced in white gold, rose gold, and platinum, the yellow gold reference 5070, was discontinued soon after its launch, yet is the most faithful to the original design inspiration, the 2512, as it features the same yellow gold case material and black dial color. Even the applied yellow gold Arabic numerals echo the mirrored numerals on the original reference. The movement powering the 5070, the calibre 27-70, is based on the Lemania 2310 – significantly modified by Patek Philippe. An ébauche used famously as the Omega caliber 321, powering Omega Speedmasters from their inception in 1957 until the final reference 145.012 in 1969, the Lemania 2310 is a column wheel chronograph with a distinctive "wishbone" shaped bridge, used by many brands since it first created by Albert Piguet and Jaques Reymond in 1942. In its current form as the caliber 27-70, it features exceptional finishing by Patek Philippe in their typical style, and is stamped with the prestigious Geneva Seal.

Preserved in virtually untouched condition, it’s a superb example for the connoisseur, presented complete with its original boxes, pamphlets and certificate of origin.