Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70 CH nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 24 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions • black matte dial, applied gold Arabic numerals, gold feuille hands, subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer ring calibrated for tachometer • large 18k gold circular water-resistant-type case, stepped bezel, two rectangular chronograph pushers to the band, fluted downturned lugs, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean with no visible spots or marks. The case is in clean, lightly polished condition, bearing some light signs of wear. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1999 and sale on September 21st of that year. Together with Patek Philippe booklets within a leather folder and fitted wooden presentation box.

Ref. 5070 was launched in 1998 and was discontinued in 2007. According to our research, approximately thirty examples in yellow gold have appeared at auction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has come to auction.

Favored for its sporty, elegant design, Ref. 5070 is the second largest wristwatch produced by Patek Philippe, with its diameter falling 0.8mm short of that of the Sky Moon Tourbillon. Ref. 5070 also represents Patek Philippe's return to production of chronograph watches in 1998 after an almost 30-year break. The last chronograph model produced before this was Ref. 1463, for which production was halted in the late 1960s. For an example of Ref. 1463, see lot 185.

The inspiration for Ref. 5070 was Ref. 2512, a split-second chronograph produced by Patek Philippe between 1950 and 1952. The case and dial designs are very much alike. For an example of Ref. 2512, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 274.