Exceptional piece that every enthusiast dreams of owning in their collection, this grand complication presented by the prestigious Patek Philippe house embodies all the hallmarks of fine watchmaking at its peak.
The roots of this model trace back to the very first perpetual calendar chronograph under reference 1518, produced in 1941. This model has undergone several evolutions, beginning with the legendary reference 2499 and more recently with reference 3970, which was marketed until 2004.
A history of reference 5970
Introduced at Basel in 2004 and launched in 2005 in white gold under reference 5970G, followed soon by rose gold under reference 5970R, these two versions were withdrawn from the catalog in 2007. The first platinum version under reference 5971, with a diamond-set bezel, was launched that same year.
The yellow gold version followed in 2008 for a duration of one year under reference 5970J. The platinum version presented here met the same fate, being marketed only during 2009 under reference 5970P.
A very short production period allowed the model only one type of dial and case.
The model was discontinued in favor of reference 5270, which featured an entirely Patek Philippe-manufactured caliber under reference CH 29-535 PS.
With ideal proportions, the 5970P is among the most wearable grand complications from Patek Philippe. The watch fits comfortably on the wrist and offers an impressive presence.
Despite its numerous complications, the manufacture managed to keep dimensions contained: a diameter of 40MM and a thickness of 13.5MM.
This achievement is largely due to the CH 27-70 Q manually wound caliber.
Illustration of the CH 27-70 Q caliber
The unique feature of reference 5970 is that it is the last model whose caliber was not entirely manufactured by Patek Philippe. Indeed, powered by the CH 27-70 Q Caliber, it was developed on a Nouvelle Lemania 2310 base, profoundly reworked, with Patek Philippe’s meticulous attention to the perpetual calendar function.
Composed of no less than 353 parts, including 24 jewels, the Gyromax balance offers 18,000 beats per hour with a power reserve of 60 hours.
The caliber showcases breathtaking finishes: polished plates, hand-engraving, beveled edges… It proudly bears the prestigious Geneva Seal.
This caliber is also shared with models 3970 (from 1986) and reference 5004.
Illustration of the CH 27-70 Q caliber
Illustrations of the technical specifics of the CH 27-70 Q caliber
A true horological feat, equipped with a chronograph function, the reference 5970 is fitted with a perpetual calendar, which, in addition to the time, displays the month, leap years, date, day of the week, 24-hour time, and moon phases.
The perpetual calendar displays the day, date, and month, automatically accounting for months of 28, 29, 30, and 31 days.
With an annual variation of only 11 minutes and 47 seconds, the moon phase indicator is extremely accurate.
Illustration of the functionalities of reference 5970P
The watch comes with a stylus for setting the various parameters of the watch, as well as a second platinum case back, leaving the owner the choice of having the movement visible or not.
In conclusion, the 5970P is a legendary timepiece and one of the finest pieces from Patek Philippe. It is undoubtedly both a sublime piece that we were fortunate to market and an appealing investment given the rarity of the model and its history intrinsically linked to Patek Philippe’s legacy.
Illustration of the accessories provided with the watch
The ultimate refinement, Patek Philippe platinum models feature a diamond set in the case at 6 o'clock.
The Calatrava Cross, Patek Philippe's signature, on the bracelet
