The Patek Philippe reference 5070 was the first modern-era chronograph-only wristwatch released by the firm since the end of production for the reference 1463 in the 1960s. Introduced in 1998 at Baselworld, it was something of a shock to collectors that Patek would choose to reintroduce a chronograph model in such bold fashion – particularly with a 42mm case and a dramatically thick, stepped bezel. The reference 5070 enjoys a unique spot in Patek Philippe’s history as one of the largest watches they produced and the last chronograph to use a modified, Lemania 2310-based ébauche.

A worthy and highly anticipated successor to the classic reference 1463 chronograph, the 5070 would also feature a water-resistant case with a screw-down case back. Despite being the mechanical successor to the 1463, the reference 5070 inherited the design of the unique reference 2512 from 1950, an oversized split-seconds chronograph that now resides in the Patek Philippe Museum. Despite the large size of the case, the slim profile and downturned lugs give the watch a comfortable presence on the wrist.

Coming from the collection of an important private collector, this reference 5070G is fresh to the auction market, preserved in outstanding condition and accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, presentation boxes, and product literature.