Patek Philippe

Black and White, the 5960p "bad boy" and the 5170g "statesman"

Patek and chronograph, a combination which is as rare as it is desirable. For many years the options were very limited, indeed when the ref.5070J was launched in 1998, it was the first "simple" chronograph for 40 years. Today we are spoiled! And this year we are further spoiled by two exceptional chronographs, so distinct from each other yet steeped in Patek history.

I start with the one I feel has quietly slipped under the radar,,,the new 5960p with black dial. Black dials are very desirable, and very rare. The last classic with black dial (in regular production) was the 5070J. The 5960p is ofcourse well known to all who frequent this forum, so perhaps you could be forgiven in thinking...yet another version so nothing new here to be seen. Well, actually, the black dial has lifted the 5960p to a new level.

The 5960p has a bad boy look....the contrast between the hard cold platinum and the deep black makes this a real mean machine. Yet despite its modernity you can still see the history of Patek. The case lends itself from the classic 1463 with its waterproof screwback and pump pushers.

Of all the watches from basel this year, this was the one that caught me by surprise...but what a surprise

Black dials are a rarity with Patek and especially with chronographs. In recent years, Patek have made many special pieces in this sumptuous combination of platinum and black, for instance the 5500 Pagoda, the 5970p, and of course the Millenium in platinum-the new 5960p has illustrious company. Vintage Patek chronographs are ofcourse as rare as the proverbial hens teeth.

credit Antiqourum

The Patek "bad boy",

The classic waterproof pump button 1463: you can see the DNA

credit: Christies

The sensation of this year was the much anticipated ref 5170g. What we did not expect was the dial..with Breguet numbers. Only a true Patek lover understands this insane fixation with Breguet numbers. It is perhaps because of the history behind these very special numerals:

credit Christies

Now whilst many collectors crave a new steel chronograph, it is a fact that in vintage watches, the white gold ref.130 is far rarer than the steel! Infact it was not until we saw the premiere of the 5070G that we had a serial production of chronographs (without complication) in white Gold:

the iconic 5070G

credit Patek Philippe

A rare vintage chronograph in WG:

credit Antiquorum

Even rarer is large size chronographs...in any metal. the ref 530 is perhaps the most desirable of all classic chronographs with its 36mm case:

credit Christies

The 5170 is the true hier to the ref 530. All of the classic features are there ofcourse, the Calatrava case, square pushers and two counters. What we in the new 5170G is a piece which is bursting with heritage and desirable features. A white gold case, Breguet numbers and pulse scale....this is what dreams are made of. The true beauty can only be appreciated when you see this piece. As for the movement, its eye candy....

There are always comparisons with its forefathers, especially the 5070. They are very two different watches, only joined by common ancestory. In my opinion a 5070G and 5170G would make perfect partners in any collection