Patek Philippe 5170J Chronograph Review

Mark in Paris · 2012-11-01T03:29:11Z

Mark in Paris reviews the Patek Philippe 5170J chronograph, detailing its dial, hands, movement, and comparing it to the 5070.

Mark in Paris

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

38 replies12776 views7 photos

Mark in Paris shares his detailed impressions of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5170J chronograph after experiencing it in person. Initially skeptical, Mark's hands-on encounter transformed his perception, leading him to appreciate its timeless design, exquisite dial finish, and refined movement. His review offers a valuable perspective on how a watch can evolve in a collector's esteem once seen beyond photographs.

38 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Hi everyone,

I could see in the metal and try the 5170J and I just wanted to share a few pics and my thoughts.

First, when it was launched I though it was fade and was too old-looking.

Since, I could read about older patek chronographs and could have a look to them and learn from all the pictures we can have on forums, blogs etc ...

Recently, I was surprise to start understanding it (and as time goes by it also made me get used to it and accept it). Hence, I decided I had to go and have a look at it. If there is something I learned from watches it's that it's always worth seeing them in the metal, and I would add it's even a good advice before having the legitimacy to judge one.

I knew the movement wouldn't have been a problem of course, but the case and the dial's style (indexes and writings) would be harder to accept from what I saw on pics before.

I know this watch is competing hard in the heart of Patek fans against the 5070. As far as I'm concerned I like the 5070 but it is not real love either. I guess people who have been leaving with them have a completely different experience and relation with it. Much more than me.

Back to the visit, I must say I was really impressed and completly seduced.

The main issue as I said was the dial side and I remember perfectly the impression I had: the silvery sand finished dial is absoltulely marvelous. My strong benchmark was the 1815's sand blasted silver dial: when the light was shinning of the dial, colored glints appeared and it was an amazing sight.

Here I had the same impression (on the contrary to other Patek silvery dials I won't mention).

Secondly, the hands are really beautifully cut and finished. I was dreaded to see steep edges as if the hands had been cut but not rounded finished (hands I could see from very high end brands and that is unacceptable to me).

The dark grey finish of the chrono second and minute hands is perfect, especially with the yellow gold color.

And finally the font used for the writings matches up very well the overall style (even if I thought until then it was too old fashioned, too 20's 30's styled for me).

The case remains quite thin but one thing I would may be regret is its square shape, feeling increased with its thinness. It maybe lacks of a smoother style here. This is something more obvious on the wristshots as I personnaly find it not perfectly integrated on the wrist. But this is really minor and the only issue I have here.

Concerning the movement, not much to say: perfect (whithout the minor bridge edges' finishing flaw of the 240 ... yeah I know, I'm a bit fussy when talking about finishing ...)

The pushers are one of the best: the start/stop has its little "tick" sound/feeling and a very smooth touch. Something I really enjoyed and was surprised about is the reset pusher's activation: no "thick", only a soft feeling and hop! back to zero. Really nice and it was the first time I noticed that from a chrono.

Very nice to see how the chrono wheel engages when the chrono is started. Very fine engineering.

Finally, the crown equipped with its dynamometric display: very soft and surprising too as when I gave a turn, the crown went backward from 1/4 of a turn.

To conclude, it was a marvelous and exciting experience. The watch finally is completly coherent and I understand it won't go out of fashion, it won't be influenced by its ageing and new models. In a word: "Timeless".

Here are some pictures ...

Cheers,

Mark

This message has been edited by Boréale on 2012-11-01 03:40:20

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5070

The Patek Philippe reference 5070, part of the Complications collection, marked a significant return for the brand to large-format chronographs. Introduced in 1998, it was the first non-perpetual calendar chronograph produced by Patek Philippe since the reference 1463, which ceased production in the early 1960s. Its design drew inspiration from a unique Patek Philippe aviator's watch from the 1940s, characterized by its prominent case and dial layout, yet reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. This reference established a new aesthetic direction for the brand's chronographs, moving towards more substantial case dimensions.

The watch features a 42mm case, initially offered in 18k yellow gold, housing the manual-winding Caliber CH 27-70. This movement, based on a Nouvelle Lémania ébauche, was extensively finished and modified by Patek Philippe, meeting the brand's stringent quality standards. It provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The dial, in this specific configuration, is black, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The fixed bezel frames the dial, and the watch is typically fitted with a leather strap.

Reference 5070 appeals to collectors interested in modern Patek Philippe chronographs that combine traditional movement architecture with a more contemporary case size. Its limited production run and the subsequent introduction of variants in other precious metals contribute to its collectibility. The reference represents a distinct period in Patek Philippe's chronograph history, bridging vintage inspirations with a new era of larger watch designs.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.CH 27-70

Case: 18k yellow gold

Diameter: 42mm

Dial: black

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe 5170J's silvery sand-finished dial is described as marvelous, exhibiting colored glints under light, comparable to the A. Lange & Söhne 1815's sandblasted silver dial.
The hands of the 5170J are beautifully cut and finished, with a perfect dark grey finish on the chrono seconds and minute hands, complementing the yellow gold case.
The 5170J's movement is praised for its perfection, and the chronograph pushers offer a smooth, satisfying tactile experience, particularly the soft reset action.
While the 5170J is admired, some collectors, like Bruno.M1, still prefer the Patek Philippe 5070 for its case, dial, and hands, despite the 5170's superior mechanical architecture.
The 5170J's case, though thin, has a somewhat square shape that can feel less integrated on the wrist for some, representing a minor design quibble.
The 5170J's dial design, with its sunken subdials, is a point of debate, with some finding it less balanced compared to the 5070, while others find the index placement maintains balance.
The 5070's Lemania-based movement is considered more aesthetically attractive by some collectors than the 5170's in-house caliber, despite the latter's technical advancements.
The 5170J's design, initially perceived as old-fashioned, ultimately contributes to its timeless appeal, ensuring it won't be easily influenced by changing trends.

The Discussion

amanico

Nov 1, 2012

I much prefer all on the 5070, the case, the dial ,and the hands.

As for the movement, I still don't know what to think, but the case, dial and hands on the 5170 don't convince me at all. The 2 subdials seem to be not centered, a bit lower than the " middle lane ". The hands are less refined than those of the 5070, as well as the case. But we are not obliged to have the same tastes, sometimes. ;) Thank you spo much for this excellent article, Mark. Best, Nicolas

Mark in Paris

Nov 1, 2012

I must have a look at it I think ...

You're right, the 2 subdial centers are lower. I must say that it didn't bother me at all as the indexes are placed in a way it remains balanced. Concerning the hands, I would say it's a question of subjective feeling and style taste. But I know these 5070 have a very special place in Patek fans' heart and it must be something to see in order to be able to compare but also to make one's opinion. Thanks for your interesting thoughts Nicolas. Stay close to yours :) Best, Mark

dr.kol

Nov 1, 2012

I mostly agree with you.

I like 5170 more and more and the movement is a real marvel. What I do not like are the Roman numbers on the dial. I have been tempted to get this watch but I have decided to wait till some white versions are coming to the market. Thank you for a great post! Best, Kari

Mark in Paris

Nov 1, 2012

Haaa... roman vs arabic numerals ...

It has a strong place in the way we like (or not) a watch. Personnaly I prefer, by far, Roman to Arabic. But this is completly personnal and I fully understand your point. I hope too that we'll be able to see another metal in 2013 ;) Thanks Kari, Cheers, Mark

Bruno.M1

Nov 1, 2012

5070 by a mile

The 5070 gets my vote by far But that doesn't mean I don't like the 5170. In fact I love it. I saw it more than once irl and if it was not so expensive I would start saving. But today Patek watches became too expensive for me :-( But like Nicolas said, the case, dial, hands of the 5070 are imo better and I also don' t like these sunken subdials. But than again, I would be VERY happy if I could ever afford a 5170. Imo much better than the Dato, much better than the 5980 and much better than any c

Mark in Paris

Nov 1, 2012

I also share you thoughts ...

the price level is a real issue even it the watch is highly desirable... Thanks for the links Bruno, I already had them in my favorite folder and thanks for your input :) Cheers, Mark