Reference 5970 is a proud heir to Patek Philippe’s legacy of perpetual calendar chronographs starting with the 1518 in 1941 followed by the 2499 and 3970.

Reference 5970 presents a very similar design and dial layout to its famous predecessors with day and month indicated via apertures, the date and moonphase display elegantly poised at 6 o’clock.
Launched in 2004 and in production for only 7 short years, making it the shortest run for any perpetual calendar chronograph by Patek Philippe, it was discontinued in 2010 and replaced by reference 5270 that housed Patek Philippe’s first inhouse chronograph caliber. Reference 5970 relied on a heavily modified Lemania base movement.

Whereas reference 2499 (2nd series onward) and reference 3970 featured round pushers, reference 5970 comes with rectangular pushers giving it an incomparable resemblance to the highly coveted and über rare 2499 1st series.

The generous 40mm case and facetted lugs definitely set this model in the 21st century. Upon launch this model became an instant success and since its discontinuation, it has only increased in popularity and collectability.

While the reference has enjoyed variations such as different gem-set bezels and various dial designs, examples cased in yellow gold like the present watch are believed to be the rarest metal, in fact the present watch, fresh to the market is only the 33rd reference 5970 in yellow gold to appear on the market.

In very well preserved condition the present reference 5970 offers a rare opportunity to obtain one of Patek Philippe’s last classical perpetual calendar chronograph models in a rare yellow livery that is rarely offered on the market.