The reference 5070 enjoys a unique position in Patek Philippe’s history as one of the largest watches the brand produced and the last chronograph to use a modified, Lemania 2310-based ébauche before Patek Philippe switched to their in-house caliber with the introduction of the reference 5170.
A worthy and highly anticipated successor to the classic reference 1463 chronograph, which was removed from production in the 1960s, when released in 1998 the 5070 also featured a water-resistant case with a screw-down case back. First released in 18K yellow gold with a black dial, like 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.
The present Patek Philippe chronograph from 1999 is offered for the first time at auction and is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and presentation box.