Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 2008 Reference No: 5070P-001 Movement No: 3’715’282 Case No: 4’460’479 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, CH 27-70, 24 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 8 September 2008 by Patek Philippe Salons de Geneve, product literature, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The Patek Philippe reference 5070 was the first modern-era chronograph-only wristwatch released by the firm since the end of production for the reference 1463 in the 1960s. Introduced in 1998 at Baselworld, it was something of a shock to collectors that Patek would choose to reintroduce a chronograph model in such bold fashion – particularly the 42mm case dimension and the dramatically thick, stepped bezel. A worthy and highly anticipated successor to the classic reference 1463 chronograph, the 5070 would also feature a water-resistant case with a screw-down case back.
For the tenth anniversary of the release of the first reference 5070, Patek Philippe launched a platinum-cased version with a sublime blue dial. The platinum 5070 was only in production from 2008 until 2010, and according to our research, was manufactured in the fewest number of pieces of all 5070 models. Though the case architecture assures a commanding presence, in platinum these attributes are elevated. The dial color is particularly mesmerizing, 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 there are truly myriad names for the colors visible at different angles or under different light sources. The oversized Arabic numerals, also reminiscent of aviators’ watches and one of the main design elements carried over from the historical reference 2512 on which the 5070 is based, are rendered in white gold, adding a subtle lustre to the already superb dial.
The desirability of the present reference 5070P is heightened due to its exceptional state of preservation and completeness.
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.