Whereas perpetual calendar chronographs have continuously graced Patek Philippe catalogues since the launch of the reference 1518 in 1941, the firm stopped producing simple chronographs in the late 1960s, after the discontinuation of the reference 1463.

This is why the collecting community was extremely excited when Patek Philippe introduced a new chronograph-only reference in 1998 in yellow gold (see lot 88) and the subsequent launch of the white gold version, like the present model, in 2001.

Directly inspired by the case and dial design of the unique Patek Philippe split-seconds chronograph reference 2512 from 1950, the reference 5070 enjoys a unique spot in Patek Philippe’s history as one of the largest watches it had produced. It was the last chronograph to use the lauded Lemania 2310 ébauche before Patek Philippe switched to an in-house caliber with the introduction of the reference 5170.

The white gold reference 5070 pays homage to the legibility of its inspiration, the 2512, with a unique take - blackened white gold Arabic numerals and hands. Also used on the white gold reference 5970, it is a bold contrast to the silvered dial and sublime lustre of the white gold case, perfectly enhancing the stepped case and black tachymeter scale.

The present reference 5070 is a rare find – a brand new example still in its original factory seal together with its original hangtag. It is furthermore accompanied by its Certificate of Origin, product literature, and original box.