Reference Guide
Afaleh's profound admiration for the Patek Philippe Ref. 5170P chronograph, which he hails as potentially the most beautiful object ever created, sparks a fascinating inquiry into its dial manufacturing. This article delves into the intricate processes behind the 5170P's captivating dial, a topic that continues to intrigue even seasoned collectors and Patek Philippe enthusiasts. Afaleh's initial post highlights the enduring mystery and allure of this specific reference's aesthetic perfection.
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
So sunburst is the effect, but what’s the process and type of sunburst?
Hard to believe, I know, but that's the truth of it
Dial production is secret stuff
I tried to look among the materials I have from Patek, but can’t seem to find further details on this dial…Let me look again as soon as I have a laptop within reach and I’ll definitely share if I have more👍 Enjoy!
It is beyond difficult to catch the nuances of the dial but the photo below shows a bit even if the quality is not so great 🙉🙊🙈
super simplified steps of manufacturing... 1) For a standard dial, the base dial (mostly brass or silver) is polished multiple times, so the surface has absolute evenness (almost mirror polish). 2) then it is multiple layer of varnish & lacquer. 3) Numerals/Index markings are by pad printing or with a traditional rivet approach for applied index (so dials will have holes to hold the applied indexes or Diamonds in place). So the sunburst effect is normally created by the first step, by following
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 22 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
