Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
Yes, this alignment you don't like
I can perfectly understand it, especially knowing than you're an owner of the 5070G (and vintage chronos which are also aligned).
But I must say, not having the same background it doesn't trouble me at all.
We already had a little discussion about that when we met in Chopard: I find that the 2 subdials being not so close to the brand's name is more balanced to me, on the contrary to "aligned" ones (which balance point is pushed toward the top side a little too much to me).
I love the 5170G's silver dial as the subdials printings are not too contrasted and thus remain light and very well balanced. The thin markings and the font police is perfect (to me) too.
However this is a very subjective feeling about what we have been used to seeing.
About the movement and finishing issue: no inward angles indeed but there are no such angles either in the Vacheron's Lemania (1141) nor in some Lange I could check. This just to say that it is not that significant after all.
By the way, the technical improvements overcome this little change for me.
I guess what can really make a difference is whether one is attracted by the bezel and case shape or not: some will find it beautifully discreet and classical and other might find it a little "dull".
Thanks for your feedback Nicolas.
Cheers, Mark
The Patek Philippe 5170G in the context of the brand's history
Gentlemen, Slowly but surely since the first yellow gold reference, the Patek Philippe 5170 reference is building its pedestal next to the previous chronograph-only 5070 reference in the heart of Patek customers. After several years when the collectors go...
I'm about to commit anathema and I've prepared myself for the wrath...
But I must confess that I prefer the 5170 to the 5070... especially the 5170G with the black dial. The 5170 is more classically sized, far more balanced, and just feels and looks more "Pateky"! Of-course, that's just my $0.02 ;) Thank you for a great writ...
You ave the right to express your feelings!
And I don't believe that there is a clear winner in the 5070/5170 story. They are so different that it is really a matter of taste at the end. Fx
Even if this is not a thread about the 5070 but about the 5170's origins
You're not the only one to share that feeling, it is interesting to know and learn what for you makes the difference. Thanks! Cheers.
Speaking in the context of the brand's history...
I think the 5170 is and will be significant as it houses, I believe for the first time, an in-house manually wound chronograph caliber. A significant historical milestone, don't you agree? Much regards, Kamy
I do agree
and this is one of the main elements I'm attracted by when dealing with the 5170 and 5270 references. I like knowing that all the elements of a watch have been thought and designed by the brand's crew (even if I also like the old 27-70 of course). Cheers....
Aaah, Kamy, I didn't know you had a soft spot for anathema. :)))
It is all a matter of taste, and vive la difference. ;) Seriously, the big no gos for me are: The 2 subdials which are floating under the 3 / 9 line. The less nicely decorated movement ( no inward anglages ) The hands which are much nicer in the 5070. The...
I know of another little watch that "suffers" from the floating subdials...
And I KNOW you have a soft spot for this reference :) Pic is from an article in Forbes. ...
Yes, but here, the movement is more interesting, nicely decorated, the case is supeb.
The hands, too. And it is a rattrapante. Aaah, not the same price, indeed, but the 5170 is not at the same price than a kilo of sugar, either... ;) Best, Anathema. ;) Nico
Nice article, Mark, but I am still searching which vintage ref has this bloody...
2 subdials under the 3 / 9 line... ;) Patek is not able to do a movement to correctly locate the 2 subdials? Best, Nicolas
Yes, this alignment you don't like
I can perfectly understand it, especially knowing than you're an owner of the 5070G (and vintage chronos which are also aligned). But I must say, not having the same background it doesn't trouble me at all. We already had a little discussion about that wh...
The little things win me over
Having owned both a 5070 and the 5170 I will confess I love the 5170 for all the little thrills it provides. For example the pushers And the fonts I am a fan of the white dial 5170, it\'s classism and finish. Plus the feel of the movement! It\'s like butt...
Great shots, thanks!
There are indeed many elements/details which are very pure and nice in this version of the 5170. Anything on this dial is superb (to me). Welcome on PuristS by the way and congratulations for getting this beauty. Cheers, Mark
great watch but I jus't can't change my mind
For my that watch is just too simple. Standard case, standard lugs, standard bezel. Dial is good when talking about the G, don't like the J that much And like Nicolas said, I'm not a fan of these sunken subdials either ps, most 130 chrono's and not my cup...
Well, this is how much we understand this is a matter of taste.
"I 'll try not to talk about the 5070 this time" => Thank you very much Bruno! :p It is hard to remain focused on the 5170 and I wish on this topic to talk about it and where it comes from :) Back to what you said, I think it is very interesting and be...
Good read mark.
Very informative. Manual wind chronos are great. You have to wind it everyday. Its like kissing your wife or girlfriend everyday. My opinion. Cheers Mark. Best Geross
Yes, they are.
This is a morning pleasure many have here: winding their watch. The 5170's winding feeling is really smooth, especially with this Dynamometric crown function (even surprising when not used to it at the beginning). I really think that these chronos are a v...
Thanks Mark for a wonderful post
It is unfortunate that a discussion about 5170 often leads to a discussion about 5070. Better to have both! I love 5170G a lot and a short time ago I played with the black version. I simply love it and after I get 5370P, I need to seriously think about bl...
Indeed Dear Kari,
I wanted to make this last post about the 5170 in order that people who don't know that much about the brand's history know where it comes from, especially as new versions will certainly come in the future (RG, Pt). Meanwhile, the love for the 5070 is per...
Mark. A great write up of a classic chronos
I often wonder if our desire to own a watch is driven by the fact that others desire it more. The 5070 is a stunner but is very difficult to acquire. It does not have an in house movement as the 5170 has. Cosmetically the 5170g has a better face imho than...
"I often wonder if our desire to own a watch is driven by ...
... the fact that others desire it more" It is so true! Even for myself. This is a natural influence process I guess. The thing is to try getting the autonomy needed not to make a mistake on the long run. I saw the black dial 5170 in a stand and and looke...
Great article Mark!
And a timely read for me as mine will arrive in just a few days... I have deliberately avoided the black dial version as I am waiting for my 5370P. Glad you prefer this one. Best Sam
Many thanks Mark
...for a very interesting write-up. For all of you with your particular "likes" on lugs, bezels, dials etc please spare a thought for us with more "fundamental" concerns: being left-handed. Next mission: to lobby M. Stern for a left-handed chrono so that ...
Left handed
This is I imagine an important issue for this kind of complications as it needs to be activated when used (on the contrary to Perpetual Calendars for instance). In the mean time, it would look very "unusual"! You're welcome Chimaera! Cheers, Mark
You'll have a great time ahead!
The 5370P is absolutlely fantastic. I saw it last June and still remember how I was attracted. Very clever move Sam. The 5170G will make a very nice addition, I'm happy for you and am very closely looking forward to hearing from you when you have them :) ...
Comprehensive and enlightening.
Excellent report, Mark! I, too, prefer the 5170 to the 5070. Not for the movement, but to me the dial/bezel proportions are more pleasing. Anyway, thanks for this report.
My pleasure Padj
I thought it could be interesting to see what was part of the brand's history and how it could evolve in the future. The 5170 is a new interpretation of the chronograph since the 5070 and is appealing to many people looking for a more classical look. Than...
