A watch that needs no introduction, the Patek Philippe reference 5970 is one of the most important Patek Philippe’s of the 21st Century. Its predecessors alone showcase the importance of such reference, given the watch is a direct relative of the references 1518, 2499 and 3970. Introduced back in 2004, 5970 was the first time that Patek Philippe used a larger-than-36mm case size for their Grand Complication Perpetual Calendar Chronograph range. At 40mm and at just 13.5mm thick, the watch really is the perfect size for almost any wrist, and wears incredibly comfortably when sized correctly through its easily adjustable strap size system. Its newly-designed case size, designed by Thierry Stern himself, allowed the sub-dial at 6 o’clock to be noticeably larger than before, as well as allowing the dial as a whole to be neat, and not overcrowded. The reference continued to use the Lemania-based calibre that had performed so well over the past 20-years in ref. 3970, however, there was only a certain amount of time before Patek Philippe were expected to be using a new in-house calibre within their Perpetual Calendar Chronographs. Alas, ref. 5970 was replaced in 2010 by the still-in-production 5270, its very possible that ref. 5970 could well be the very last of the true greats. As production of references go, the run was short enough to not allow for any “series” modifications, and experts suspect that there are only around 2,800 of these watches in existence (across four metals). It’s successor sits at 41mm, and with a different dial design, albeit still popular, it has never been quite as well accepted as 5970, and continues to be a slightly opinionated reference as a whole. As Thierry himself said, “In the end, I decided to design a watch that could be worn by my father or myself: a watch that would suit my father’s generation as well as mine. For me it is one of the few pieces, perhaps the only piece, which is a mix of two generations of the Stern family.”

Condition Report:

Arriving with us in truly wonderful condition, it is to our knowledge that the case and clasp of this iconic watch have never seen a polish. Its solid white gold case is beginning to show some form of patina around the pusher areas of the watch, and overall there are absolutely no deep scratches anywhere on the watch. Being a 16-year old piece, the watch does display surface scratching throughout given its highly-polished finish from new, but we would not recommend having the watch polished. Importantly and sat within the case, the watch features its original blackened hands and correct dial. One is able to realise the originality of the hands thanks to the subtle patina and colour-changing, known as oxidisation, across every single hand on the watch which have changed from their original deep black finish to an almost flamed blued finish. Unfortunately over time the original owner misplaced the alternative solid white gold case back, although aside from this the watch is complete in its entirety, with its all-important Certificate of Origin, and the sapphire-option case back allows the wearer to admire the amazing Geneva-seal, Lemania-based movement within. Fitted on a brand new Patek Philippe shiny green alligator leather strap (which we think looks superb), the watch is also available on an alternate and more subtle brand new matte black alligator leather strap, should the buyer prefer this.

• Year: 2005

• Reference Number: 5970G-001

• Material: White Gold

• Size: 40mm

• Movement: Manual-Winding Calibre CH27-70 Q

• Waterproof: 30m

• Box Information: Original Box

• Extras: Original Certificate

• Strap: Shiny Green or Matte Black Alligator Leather Strap