Patek Philippe
Reference 5970 | A white gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour and leap year indication | Circa 2007
Auction Closed
May 10, 02:36 PM GMT
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. CH 27-70Q manual winding, 24 jewels
Movement number: 3’049’039
Case: 18k white gold, screw-down sapphire crystal display case back
Case number: 4’438’638
Closure: 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.
The reference 5970 holds a particularly significant place within this legacy of Patek Philippe perpetual calendar calendar chronographs, serving as a transition between vintage and modern execution. Introduced in 2004, it was notably the first model overseen by current president Thierry Stern, who sought to create a timepiece that would connect the legacy established by his father, Philippe Stern, with a new generation of collectors.
Drawing inspiration from the revered references 1518 and early 2499 models, the 5970 reintroduced square chronograph pushers, a deliberate nod to its heritage, moving away from the round pushers seen on its preceding reference 3970. It also marks the final chapter of Patek Philippe’s use of Lemania-based movements in this line, before the transition to fully in-house calibres.
As a result and despite its relatively recent introduction, the reference 5970 is widely regarded as one of the most collectible modern grand complications, admired for its blend of historical influence and contemporary refinement.