Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
Definitely an icon for Patek
The 5970 is a fantastic generation among the Chronograph-QP models.
It is nice to see how much you love that watch and what it represents for you and the brand.
If I could add a few comments, I would say that the idea we have from the 5970 is also a consequence of the numerous pictures and posts we've seen these last 10-15 years. The 5970 is indeed very close from the 2499 and maybe it is why it is so welcome too. The 5270 2nd and 3rd series are also based on this dial layout (aside from the 2 holes). The 3970 and its 36mm is even closer to the 2499 but the size and lack of scale make it a very different watch in the end than its predecessors.
It would be a very interesting discussion to understand why each references are seen the way they are. However, even if we can find explanations, the pleasure and pride we have for our favorite brands and watches are what matters.
It is the difficulty from such a brand to get its inspiration from its history, without copying. We can easily see how the 2499 (that existed also without the Tachymetre scale) and 5970 are cousins but we also can easily see that they are different in every details.
The movement is also a part of the legacy. We have to consider a movement through its time, a time when the "in-house" was not the philosophy of this field, when many brands used calibers from other great watchmakers. We can't only compare I think what happened then with today's criteria. The Lemania is wonderful and has the pros of its time (reliability, finishing etc...) and the cons naturally.
As a collector, I think that one should try to get what represents each of these periods: they make what the brand is when taken altogether, not one after another. The Lemania is not above or below the 29-535 and I can bring good arguments for both, not only the fact the 29-535 is more advanced or the Lemania has a few inward angles.
You have the 5070, the 5970 and the 5370 with its fantastic dial artwork and enamel craftmanship together with an exceptional CHR 29-535 and have a knowledge that allow you to see further.
Again, you have a great collection Joe and thanks for the write-up 
Best, Mark
Patek Philippe 5970 - "cult status"
The most recent edition of the Patek Philippe magazine (Volume IV, Number 3) provided a fascinating article about the Reference 5970. The article described the 5970 as a watch with “cult status” representing the ‘quintessence of complicated watchmaking at...
It's the best modern perpetual+Chronograph
Patek Philippe from my point of view and for my wrist size. Cult status indeed. Best, Ahmed
No doubt on this one,
Definitely a cult watch, a grail for many. You are so lucky to own one. Now...something I think was made up in that article... is Thierry designing this watch, I think his type of design is shown on other newer models, quite a few being polemic and leavin...
Have not read article, waiting for my copy. The 5970P is a beauty!
It seems to me Mr. TS has not been shy about modernizing and resetting the definition of what classicism is at PP. Larger proportions and seemingly a more frequent use of diamond. The great magic has been the expansion of production since Mr. TS took over...
It is hard to tell
I've learned from different sources (reading and discussions) that he is indeed behind the 5970. I think that for people who have been liking Patek for a while now and who discover the new trend from the brand, T Stern is always the problem. I think that ...
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comment, I do agree quite a few of the Pateks that we see today as classics had disruptive or even provocative designs in their days. In that sense Patek is good at "reinventing" itself, sometimes finding inspiration from their century old...
That's indeed the difficult part
Staying close to the past is quite safe but how will the brand look like then in the middle and long run, still attractive or too old school for its time? We'll see if they made the right choices but for sure a little of both worlds are nice ingredients B...
The 5970 is indeed the pinnacle of Patek's PCCs.
It has perfect dimensions, and a clear and uncluttered dial, despite adding back the tacky scale that was removed for the 3970. It has height, but not too much; certainly not more than its 40mm diameter can handle. I am a big fan of this watch in YG and a...
i think metal choice is very hard with this one....
it is a watch that changes personality a lot from one metal to another...hence it is always easy to see the positives of a different metal. I would be quite certain that YG is the rarest...not 100% certain, but fairly certain.
I rest my case. 5970 is King :).
The perfect Patek PC with Chrono. Size, comfort, wrist comfort, complications most importantly Easy on the eye. PERFECT!!!!! Nice post J as always. M. ...
With Miles' Salmon G and the Black P, you have my favorite Patek PC Chronos.
At a point that I considered getting the P, when it was unveiled and when it was not that popular. I never got it wasn't warmly welcomed. For me, the combination of a black dial and a platinum case is a winner. And the shape of these lugs! You had a jewel...
Nicolas.....but to put you on the spot.....
......if you were King-maker........ 5970...5070....or 5370?
5970 for me
...in Salmon G version. I think it looks fantastic! Although I'd be extremely happy with any version 😉
yep.....I go with that too.
Its not that the 5070 or 5970 are not superb, but rather I think the 5370 plays in a different game...a different league. The quality of the finishing is superior. the quality of the movement is superior. The enamel dial is the killer feature. Breguet num...
I have to agree, much as I absolutely love the 5970.
But, the 5370 has a singular focus and it performs that one thing absolutely brilliantly. And that enamel, sorry, email, dial...
That's very informative read...makes it easier...to look for a grail PCC.
I thought only about new 5270s, but agree that this 5970 looks much better. Thanks for the post, Joe. Congrats on this very superb watch. Rgds Raymond
Same here.
Bought the 5270, and love it. But when I first tried on the 5970, I was immediately ready to switch.
Hard to switch...if I have the 5270.
I cannot justify the 30-40% loss from retail in my case. If I were to get a Patek PCC, it will have to get consensus from my "boss" and has to be new from AD or Salon. Then, to sell or trade for another similar one (in most our love ones' eyes) 5970 is co...
Completely understand tour position.
I felt similarly, bit then had some spare time, which of course, got me scheming. And then I found a reasonably priced one so it got me thinking. But, it was not meant to be so I let it go. In time, maybe it will happen and maybe it won't.
not disimilar......
......In 2010, I had one.....then i sold it. Then i spent 7 years deliberating on whether it was the right thing to re-buy. To be fair, DNFA is "not" how i acted. I spent a long time on this one. I wish you plenty of spare time to scheme!!
Very well put and summarised, Joe
I fully agree on the 5970. So now you're looking for a 2499?
well.....that would be quite a catch.....
......but i feel the total number of chronographs in my collection is most likely to stay at three.....
Definitely an icon for Patek
The 5970 is a fantastic generation among the Chronograph-QP models. It is nice to see how much you love that watch and what it represents for you and the brand. If I could add a few comments, I would say that the idea we have from the 5970 is also a conse...
Wise words, Mark
Watches evolve. And as you have highlighted so well, fashions change and what we "get used to" sometimes needs to change too. Ultimately, for uniquely personal reasons, we end up with what we buy. Much of my own thoughts were echoed in the PP magazine art...
Exactly Joe
We can change what we are "used to" or decide that what we like today fulfills totally our pleasure (then no need to change), hence keep on staying with our beloved watches. However, in this case, we can still remain open to novelties without wanting to g...
I've been a member of this cult--sadly, not as an owner, but as a big admirer--since the 5970's release.
Such a perfect watch. We talk about grails; "exit" watches, etc. This would be mine, although I would opt for white gold for maximum versatility. Congrats on owning this one. A great, great piece and a better design, IMO, than Patek's new generation of pe...
Joe ( as well as most people here ) you are totally smitten with this watch
I have never had lascivious thoughts about this model , but then again ZI have not seen it IRL I have always thought the smaller cousin 3970P was more for me But I have spoken to a few collector s and they all think like you do - IF a PC chronology was to...
IMHO 5970 is a perfect watch, in any metal. While the 3970 has the DNA of the legendary 2499, particularly in the style of the case, which
is basically a smaller, water resistant version of the 2499/100 (4th series), the beautiful 3970 has (sadly) significantly decreased in value. To me this reflects to at least some degree a decline in appreciation and demand for the reference, which is par...
Many thanks Patekova....
.....i think many references have a cycle to them as tastes and fashions change. I think right now, the 3970 represents astonishing value for a perpetual calendar chronograph. In years to come, people will look back and find it remarkable that prices soft...
Yes, tastes/styles change, but some watches that haven't been produced in years have a "timeless" quality and remain contemporary enough to continue to be coveted.
Examples are 3448/3450 and 2499. Regarding 5970, I am optimistic it will join that group. As for your comment about 3970 being "astonishing value", IMHO perhaps the best Patek for the money right now is a mint and complete 3970EJ.
Congratulations!
You finally went for it, you did well, shouldn't let it bother you Cult watch indeed, with a 5070P, you don't need anything else. Good move. Wear it in good health
Fricks....
Thank you! I wondered how long before you emerged. Thank you my friend. I had to do it.
Really comprehensive post Joe. When i buy a grand complication ill take note of this model in the future.
Definitely one can dream. Best wishes. Geross.
5970 Pasta timer
What? What's the problem? Well, you simply cannot rapidly and accurately read the stopwatch time between 27 and 33 seconds as the calender cuts in to the stopwatch scale. 0/10 for function Patek. Sorry, but it's just not acceptable to make GLARING FUNCTIO...
I guess we are all different.....
.....and thats why I am happy to own the 5970p....and you are happy not to own it. Vive la difference.
an iconic and classic chrono from Patek
I like this Patek very much perhaps one of the best designed chronos by Patek. The fact that it used lemania 2320 movement reworked into the ch 27-70q make ofit one of the most desirable chronos available today alongwith the Vacheron Constantin les Histor...
Yes...georgeszaslavsky...Patek themselves call it a watch with "cult status". They are obviously very proud of their history and of this watch......and rightly so.
And yes, in my opinion it is one of the best designed and most cohesive perpetual chronographs produced by Patek ever. I exclude from that the 2499 and 1518. I suggest a read of the most recent Patek Philippe magazine where the watch is reviewed in some d...
For once I will have to agree with Patek.
I think it shares this title with the 3970 thought.. .
