From the time that I first made it recognized that I’d introduced house Patek Philippe’s beautiful Reference 5170P chronograph, I’ve incessantly been requested two questions:
- How does it stand as much as my Patek Philippe Reference 5370P split-seconds chronograph? I addressed that subject briefly in my “Why I Purchased It” article on the 5170P, however might return with one other report after I get pleasure from extra wrist time with each.
- How does it examine to Patek Philippe’s prior flagship chronograph, the platinum-cased Reference 5070P?
Massive hitters: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013 (at left) and Reference 5170P
I don’t personal a Reference 5070P (nor for that matter any of the 5070 variants). However fortunately sufficient two members of our NorCal watch gang do, and one of many two watches is the super-rare Reference 5070-013 “London” version issued in Could of 2015 for the agency’s exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery (see Eleven Regal Timepieces From Patek Philippe’s Grand Exhibition At London’s Saatchi Gallery).
Just lately, the 5070-013 London version got here my approach for some capturing, and between that and a few older photographs of my different pal’s unique Reference 5070P-001 I can share a direct comparability with you.
First issues first: falling in love with Patek Philippe Reference 5070P
It was seven or eight years in the past that I first noticed a Reference 5070P within the metallic at certainly one of our gang’s common luncheons that occurred to have a “chronograph” theme.
I used to be instantly captivated by the masculine proportions of the watch, the attractively cluttered dial with its white gold utilized numerals, and the profile of the 507x-style case (which additionally serves exceptionally nicely within the way more difficult guise of the Reference 5074 perpetual calendar minute repeater featured in The Nice Chime-Off: Patek Philippe Minute Repeater References 5074P And 5078P.
Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-001
In 2012 I managed to borrow this 5070P-001 for a photograph session utilizing my 2012 gear and 2012 photographic abilities; I just lately went again via my photograph recordsdata and above and under are a few photographs that at a minimal do an honest job of imparting a way of the gravity of the watch and the charming slate-blue colour of the dial.
Fascinating type and colour: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P chronograph
As I’ve had the chance to match and distinction Reference 5070 and Reference 5170, one factor that has struck me is how cleverly Patek Philippe managed to package deal the Lémania-derived Caliber CH 27-70 motion with its 27.5 mm diameter right into a wristwatch that, at 42 mm in general diameter, is certainly one of Patek Philippe’s largest ever.
In the event you look rigorously, you’ll discover that the subdials for the 30-minute chronograph counter and operating seconds are literally fairly near the middle of the dial.
Watches with a “cross-eyed” look revealing a too-small motion inside are a pet peeve of mine, however Patek Philippe’s use of a double outer railroad observe for the chronograph seconds and tachymeter fills the area so nicely that till now I’d by no means seen the inboard subdial placements.
Time passes: enter Patek Philippe Reference 5170P
After I’d first had an opportunity to take a look at Reference 5070P intimately, it took up a distinguished place on my “objects of want” record; however I wasn’t alone in my longing, and the costs for the few pre-owned items that got here to market started excessive after which acquired larger. So I by no means pulled the set off.
The brand new era: Patek Philippe Reference 5170P in platinum with diamond indices
Quick ahead to Baselworld 2017 and I had my socks knocked off once more, this time by the newly launched Reference 5170P with its hanging blue-black dégradé dial and sparkly-but-distinguished utilized diamond baguette-cut hour markers.
Dressy and clear: Patek Philippe Reference 5170P
I’ve written intimately right here beforehand in regards to the 5170P so gained’t go on at nice size now, however I’ll foreshadow my conclusions under by saying that for me Reference 5170P is in each approach a worthy successor to its platinum forebear.
Motion aspect, Patek Philippe Reference 5170P
After which there have been three: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013 “London” version
In July of 2017, I had the chance to satisfy up with watch pals from world wide on the Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition in New York. One of many nice treats of that go to was the chance to see a pal’s newly acquired Reference 5070P-013 London version.
Barely totally different and oh so uncommon: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013
Our group of collectors had the chance to match this watch with an instance of the unique 5070P, and a debate instantly broke out: was the dial of the “London” watch lighter or darker than the unique model?
The lighting at any specific second performed a job in a single’s perceptions, however on the identical time it appeared that general views differed from individual to individual.
Brighter blue – I believe: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013
To my eye, a minimum of, the colour of the limited-edition watch is a more true blue than Reference 5070P-001’s blue-grey, and the tone is considerably lighter. However as you may see within the photograph under, relying on the angle and circumstances the perceived “lightness” of the dial can change fairly a bit.
Dial element, Reference 5070P-013 chronograph
In the event you examine the dials of the 2 watches, you’ll additionally have the ability to select another delicate variations, together with:
- a special font for the “Patek Philippe Geneve” inscription
- totally different shapes on the printed numerals 1 and seven and a number of the 4 numerals
- the scale of the numerals printed on the subdials
- a minimum of to my eye, extra pronounced subdial grooves on the newer watch
One space during which the 2 watches are equivalent is the motion aspect, with a hanging view of the Caliber CH 27-70 motion offered by Patek Philippe in 1986 and first integrated in its yellow gold Reference 5070J in 1988.
Patek Philippe Caliber CH 27-70 in Reference 5070P
As on the entrance of the watch, Patek Philippe needed to do some work to make the 27 mm diameter motion work visually in a 42 mm watch; on the rear the stepped bezel and angled outer fringe of the screw-on case again information the attention in to a motion that in flip shouldn’t be deeply sunk into its case, serving to to alleviate the impression of a smallish motion measurement.
Facet by aspect: Patek Philippe References 5070P and 5170P
On to the principle occasion! If you get the 5070 and 5170 aspect by aspect, each the clear variations and underlying household resemblance are obvious.
Facet by aspect: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013 and Reference 5170P
Apparently, to my eye a minimum of, the 2 watches seem like fairly comparable in measurement, despite the fact that the 5070 is nearly 3 mm bigger in diameter, because the extra open dial and thinner bezel of the 5170 trick the attention. The less complicated Calatrava-style case of the 5170 works nicely with the open, fashionable look of the watch – though I discover the 507x case with its stepped bezel and lugs arduous to beat.
Dial particulars, Patek Philippe chronographs in platinum
A better view reveals further particulars:
- The colour gradation of Reference 5170 is simply killer and one of many issues that instantly drew me to the watch.
- The tonal contrasts on Reference 5170 are extra pronounced, with broader (and maybe brighter) printed numerals and even a lighter silver tone on the central chronograph seconds hand with its broader tail.
- Reference 5170 loses the “sector” look of the outer scale of its predecessor however re-introduces it as a function surrounding the printed numerals on the subdials.
- Primarily based on the structure of the motion, the subdials on Reference 5170 are positioned each nearer to the sting of the dial and barely offset under the 3-to-9 axis. The latter function bugs some folks, however I don’t thoughts it in any respect.
- To my eye the modified dauphine arms with lume on Reference 5170 are one factor that I might need modified (don’t ask me how!) however they’re a transparent shift from Reference 5070’s leaf arms.
- Utilized white gold numerals vs. baguette-cut diamonds! For me each are completely in line with the design of the rest of their respective watches and I really like them each.
Motion views, Patek Philippe Reference 5170P (left) and Reference 5070P
A fast flip and we’re on to the motion sides. I’m a fan of the sooner Caliber CH 27-70 and its Geneva Seal, however when push involves shove the scale, openness, and visible pop of the in-house Caliber CH 29-535 PS actually communicate to me, and I really like particulars like its black-polished column wheel cap. I’m additionally satisfied by its purposeful developments that embody hacking seconds and instantaneously leaping chronograph minutes.
Every motion appears utterly coherent with the remainder of its respective watch: the 27-70 is extra old fashioned meets steampunk to my eye, whereas the 29-535 could be very a lot twenty-first century design.
On the tactile entrance, each have a reasonably mild however pure guide winding really feel. On the subject of the pushers, the 5170 to me has a extra pleasing progressive really feel to the beginning/cease pusher than the 5070, whereas the 5070 reveals a extra balanced stage of effort required to actuate the beginning/cease vs. return pusher than the 5170, whose return to zero really feel is sort of mild.
On the wrist
Let’s face it: life could possibly be worse than having the possibility to strap on these fantastic watches! After ending up within the mild tent I may hardly wait to get Reference 5070P-013 on my wrist for a fast little bit of capturing outdoor.
On the wrist: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013 “London”
Subsequent up was Reference 5170P, and in pure mild the blue-black colour needs to be seen to be believed.
Trendy marvel: Patek Philippe Reference 5170P
And because of the miracle of an 8 TB backup drive and a just-good-enough submitting system, I used to be capable of dig out certainly one of my earlier photographs of Reference 5070-001 for comparability functions.
Ignore that fingerprint: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-001 on the wrist
What’s the decision?
I’ll confess that after I started this comparability I totally anticipated that on the finish of the day I’d have a robust desire for Reference 5070P, a watch that I’ve lusted after for the higher a part of a decade now, over my very own Reference 5170P.
It got here as a little bit of a shock that after I’d dealt with, shot, and scrutinized each I discovered the race just about a lifeless warmth. Possibly if someplace within the Patek Philippe vaults in Geneva there have been a Reference 5070P with the extra fashionable fonts and printing proportions of the “London” version and the blue-grey colour of the unique Reference 5070 I’d be tempted to unload numerous watches and get down on bended knee to ask for it. However that appears considerably unlikely.
For now, I’ll be very happy to put on my new-age Reference 5170P and borrow my buddies’ items on occasion!
Parting shot: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013 “London” (left) and Reference 5170P
What are your ideas? I’m eager to listen to your selections within the feedback part under.
Fast Information Patek Philippe Reference 5170P
Case: 39.4 x 10.9 mm, platinum with brand-characteristic diamond at 6 o’clock; sapphire crystal case again
Dial: gold with sunburst blue end gradated to black at edges, baguette-cut diamond markers; white tachymeter scale and markings
Motion: manually wound Caliber CH 29-535 PS; 4Hz/28,800 vph; energy reserve 65+ hours
Features: hours, minutes; subsidiary seconds; 30-minute instantaneously leaping chronograph
Present retail worth: $96,390
Manufacturing years: 2017-present
Fast Information Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-001
Case: 42 mm, platinum with brand-characteristic diamond at 6 o’clock; sapphire crystal case again
Dial: gold with sunburst blue end; white tachymeter scale and markings; white gold utilized Arabic numerals
Motion: manually wound Caliber CH 27-70; 18,000 vph/2.5Hz, Geneva Seal, energy reserve max. 60 hours
Features: hours, minutes; subsidiary seconds; 30-minute chronograph
Unique retail worth: $87,500
Present asking costs (on-line): $155,000 to $175,000
Manufacturing years: 2008-2009
Fast Information Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013 “London” version
Case: 42 mm, platinum with brand-characteristic diamond at 6 o’clock; sapphire crystal case again
Dial: gold with sunburst blue end; white tachymeter scale and markings; white gold utilized Arabic numerals
Motion: manually wound Caliber CH 27-70; 18,000 vph/2.5Hz, Geneva Seal, energy reserve max. 60 hours
Features: hours, minutes; subsidiary seconds; 30-minute chronograph
Limitation: 5 items
Unique retail worth: £111,120 (approx. $173,000)
Present asking worth (on-line): $360,000
Manufacturing 12 months: 2015
* This text was first printed on July 28, 2018 at Heavyweight Bout: Patek Philippe Reference 5170P vs. 5070P (Plus 5070P-013 ‘London’ Version) Chronographs.
You may also take pleasure in:
Why I Purchased It: Patek Philippe Reference 5170P
Why I Purchased It: Patek Philippe Reference 5370P
Eleven Regal Timepieces From Patek Philippe’s Grand Exhibition At London’s Saatchi Gallery
The Nice Chime-Off: Patek Philippe Minute Repeater References 5074P And 5078P
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