popular and highly regarded a 5970 might be, if one finds it difficult to read and uncomfortable to wear it is not going to be that person’s favorite watch.
Let me share with you my experience regarding the comfort part. I wear all my strap Pateks (including 5970) with a tang buckle - never a deployant. I have a small wrist -
6 1/2” / 16.5 cm. The Patek strap fitted with a deployant does not work for me with a tang buckle. It requires a strap specifically for a tang for which the length of
each side is designed for wearing with a tang buckle. A “regular” size Patek strap is too large for me. A “short” is too small. So I wear a custom sized Patek strap designed to fit my wrist perfectly - and it does. You might want to consider doing this. 5970 may be a great watch but if it’s uncomfortable to wear one might ask “what’s the point”? Fortunately it may not be the watch, merely a matter of finding the right sized strap combined with the right buckle. If you decide to explore this possibility please let us know how it works out for you. Best, Patekova