Patek Philippe

Launched in 1998, the 5070 was the swan song reference of Lemania based Patek Philippe chronographs, and was also the first chronograph-only wristwatch the maison produced in over 40 years, its predecessor being the famous 1463. 

The watch takes direct inspiration from a unique rattrapante wristwatch reference 2512 that can be seen in the Patek Philippe museum, and its large 42 mm size makes this watch stand out from the rest of Patek Philippe chronographs that came both before and after, with the preceding reference sized at 36 mm. The watch was even larger than the perpetual calendar chronograph of the same era which was sized at 40 mm. Despite the large size, the watch is still superbly well designed ergonomically, with a surprisingly compact lug-to-lug span and a stepped case which allows the watch to wear smaller than its diameter would suggest.

Being powered by the landmark Lemania calibre 2310 also used in famed references like the 5970 and 5004, the symmetrical layout of the subdials at 3 and 6 o’clock was subsequently changed when Patek Philippe introduced the 5070’s successor to distinguish their new in-house calibre, with the size of the watch also reduced. The unique oversized nature and historic importance of the reference makes the 5070 very desirable to collectors.

The present watch is offered with the opaline dial, which both harmonizes beautifully with the white gold case and offers contrast with the blackened gold hands and applied arabic hour markers that are unique to this configuration of the 5070. The combination of case and dial colour makes this watch the sportiest of the reference, and comes in a full set.