Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 2009 Reference No: 5070 Movement No: 3'715'766 Case No: 4'493'382 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70, 24 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated December 9, 2009, slip case, product literature, wallet, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Patek Philippe reference 5070 was the first modern-era chronograph-only wristwatch released by the firm since the 1960s saw the end of production for the reference 1463. 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 42mm case dimension and the dramatically thick, stepped bezel.
For the tenth anniversary of the release of the first reference 5070, Patek Philippe released in 2008 a platinum-cased version with a sublime blue dial. The platinum 5070, represented by the present lot, was only in production from 2008 until 2010, and was manufactured in the fewest number of pieces of any 5070, adding to its desirability. Though the case architecture assures a commanding presence, in platinum these attributes are elevated. The dial color is of particular interest, as it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the exact shade of blue. Patek itself refers to the color as “bleu nuage” or "cloud blue", but truly there are myriad names for the colors that come out at different angles or light sources.
Preserved in excellent condition, the timepiece is also accompanied by its original certificate, slip case and presentation box.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
