Patek Philippe 5070G-001, Chronograph, White Gold

This Patek Philippe Chronograph 5070G-001 has an intriguing history, as it was based off a vintage Patek Philippe chronograph, the reference 2512. This also was the first chronograph produced since the reference 1463, reintroducing the chronograph into the manufacture's catalogue.

Harking back to the much admired ‘golden-era' of Patek Philippe chronographs from the 1940’s, the 5070G features a silvered dial, with two centred subsidiary dials at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The dial is classically understated, balancing the inclusion of a tachymeter scale and outer railway-minute track perfectly. Overall, the layout is very clear, with the chronograph highly legible in a variety of lighting conditions and darkened, applied Arabic numerals offering enhanced readability. 

The dial has a remarkable level of depth and texture, which has a two-tone appearance, especially with the sub-dials being a slightly darker colour. The hands have also developed a slight patina, which ties the watch even more closely to its vintage roots. Yet, at 42mm, the watch was the first production wristwatch manufactured by Patek Philippe with a case size larger than 40mm. At the time, the large size of the watch was rather controversial, but the watch marks a transition towards larger watches across the industry as a whole.

The reference 5070G integrates Patek Philippe’s 24-jewel, manual-winding, CH 27-70 caliber, based upon a thoroughly re-worked ‘Nouvelle Lemania’ 2310 ebauche, considered one of the finest chronograph movement designs ever produced. This chronograph was one of the last pieces to make use of a Lemania movement. Overall, it is beautifully finished, with exquisite chamfering on all angles, polishing and decoration, in the form of Geneva striping. The movement uses a monometallic Gyromax balance wheel and beats at 18,000 A/h, with a power-reserve of approximately 60 hours. It's constructed with 24 jewels, a shock absorber device, and a straight-line lever escapement.

Closer look

Condition

This Patek Philippe Chronograph 5070G is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs show light superficial marks from relative wear over time, more specifically, there is a very small scratch on the stepped bezel between ten and eleven o'clock. The case proportions remain strong and defined. The silvered dial and heat-treated hands are free from any signs of imperfection, with the hands developing an attractive patina. The hallmarks found on the reverse of the lugs are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.