Patek Philippe 5070P-013, Saatchi London Edition, Chronograph, Platinum

For its 2015 exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London, Patek Philippe quietly re-released a series of discontinued models using new-old-stock movements and unused cases from series production. They came with unique dial variations not seen in the original collection, and were produced in very limited numbers. This Saatchi Edition 5070P-013 is believed to be one of just 5, making it one of the rarest variants of the highly-desirable reference. 

Inspired by a unique split-second chronograph manufactured by Patek Philippe in the early 1950s (the Ref. 2512), the 5070 was the first production watch manufactured by Patek Philippe with a case size larger than 40 mm. It was originally produced exclusively in yellow gold, before later being offered in other metals.

Harking back to the much admired ‘golden-era’ Patek Philippe chronographs of the 1940s, this example has a unique to the series, navy-metallic sun-burst dial, with two subsidiary dials at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock respectively. The dial is classically understated, balancing the inclusion of a tachymeter scale (similar to that of a technician’s watch), and outer railway-minute track perfectly.

Distinguished from the original reference, by its lighter shade of blue, the dial is also different in several details. Firstly, "PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE" is non-serifed, unliked the original. There appears to be a different font, this time with serif, on the two sunken subdials (possibly larger in size) and lastly the tachymetre font appears to be serifed, unlike the standard 5070P. 

The watch displays five hands - hours, minutes, and seconds for the time, with seconds and minute hands for the chronograph. Overall, the dial layout is cleanly designed, with applied white gold Arabic numerals offering enhanced readability. With its 42 mm case diameter, the size of the 5070 is unconventional by Patek Philippe standards - yet at 11.6mm thick, its stepped case wears comfortably on wrist.

The reference 5070P 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. The movement 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, with a high moment of inertia to guarantee timing stability, 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. Using a new-old-stock calibre this piece bears the Geneva Seal, pre-dating the Patek Philippe seal found on movements produced after 2009.

This Patek Philippe 5070P comes on its blue alligator strap and corresponding platinum deployant-clasp. The watch is full-set, with its original box, leather folio and papers from the manufacture (dated 2016). Offered after the reference was discontinued in 2010, this incredibly rare, limited-edition 5070P represents an exceptionally desirable variant of a highly-collectible modern Patek Philippe.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Patek Philippe
Model:	5070P-013 Saatchi London Edition Chronograph
Movement:	mechanical manual-winding Cal. CH 27-70
Functions:	chronograph, hours, minutes, sub-seconds
Features:	blue dial, tachymeter scale, display back, Geneva Seal
Case:	42 mm platinum
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Bracelet:	blue alligator strap with platinum deployant clasp
Year:	2016
Box & papers:	full set - box and papers