Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 2004 Reference No: 5970G-001 Movement No: 4’274’618 Case No: 3’047’392 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27-70 Q, 24 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated December 8, 2004, product literature, leather folio, additional exhibition caseback, setting pin, fitted presentation box, and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Frequently dubbed as “one of the best watches ever made,” the Patek Philippe reference 5970 is a proud heir to Patek Philippe's prestigious perpetual calendar chronographs. As the first model developed and designed by Thierry Stern upon his accession as president of the company, reference 5970 was first introduced in white gold, like the present watch, and then in pink gold, with later variations in yellow gold and platinum. Produced from 2004 until 2011, it was the last perpetual calendar chronograph model from Patek Philippe to use the Lemania 2310-based movement.
The design of the 5970 takes cues from the past but interprets them in a thoroughly modern way. Forty millimeters in diameter with faceted lugs, it was a notable increase in size from its immediate predecessor, the reference 3970. Still, the larger case does not jeopardize the symmetry and comfort of the watch at all; on the contrary, the watch is extremely wearable and retains a very balanced symmetry.
Preserved in excellent condition having, in our opinion, never been polished, with its full set of accessories including the Certificate of Origin and additional caseback, the present example is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a model that is dubbed by the collector community as one of the greatest Patek Philippe wristwatches of the modern era.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
Ref. 5970G-001 A well-preserved and highly coveted white gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase, 24-hour indicator, leap year indicator, Certificate of Origin, additional caseback, and presentation box
2004 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
