Patek Philippe ceased production of their famed chronographs in the 1960s when they discontinued the iconic water-resistant reference 1463 two-register chronograph. They would not produce another chronograph wristwatch until 1998, when they launched the reference 5070 in a large 42mm diameter case, housing a Lemania-based movement significantly modified and finished by Patek Philippe. In 2010, Patek Philippe would enter a new chapter in its history, releasing the all-new reference 5170 chronograph that housed their first fully in-house simple chronograph movement – the caliber 29-535. Reduced in size compared with the reference 5070, the new chronograph with its 39.5 mm case diameter had more svelte proportions, making it the perfect watch for the office, board meeting, or casual weekend wear. Initially, it was produced in both yellow and white gold, with various dial and case configurations. In 2017, they released a wonderfully sublime platinum-cased variant, like the present example, fitted with a blue “fume” dial set with baguette diamond hour markers.

Preserved in like-new condition and offered by the original owner, this rare model was in production from 2017 until 2019, when the reference was replaced by the reference 5127G. The present watch has a wonderfully modern aesthetic, and the blue degradé dial is expertly done with color gradation and a sunburst texture. The diamond hour markers add a tasteful, luxurious touch to the watch, however when juxtaposed against the blue of the dial, they subtly meld into the dial to create a stunning aesthetic.