Patek Philippe Chronograph 5170G

The Watch

The dress watch, the perpetual calendar, the annual calendar, the sports luxe watch, and grand complications, in many ways all roads lead back to Patek Philippe, notwithstanding the chronograph. First debuting in 2013, the 5170G brings the lessons the maison has honed over the years since its first chronograph into a classic and sophisticated modern-day package.

There are many nods within the 5170 towards the first Patek chronograph, the 130, and they begin with its case. There are only three known examples of the 130 in white gold, and this 5170G continues the use of the metal with a watch case formed by very traditional codes in 18ct white gold. The straight yet gently curved lugs, smooth bezel, rectangular pushers, and prominent crown all point to a beautifully restrained, timeless blueprint. This theme continues throughout the dial, as despite the two scales around the periphery and detailed sub-registers, for a modern watch, the 5170 is a charmingly straightforward realisation that reveals more the closer you look. Surrounded by a pulsometer scale as seen on 20th century 'doctor's watches' outside of another vintage watch classic, a railroad scale, right from the off, this is a watch for the vintage-loving modern collector.

Similarly, large applied white metal Breguet numerals – perhaps the most evocative of numeral type – fill the space its sharp black dial presents. There's even a second use of these numerals within the railroad track. Feuille hands with a needle-style chronograph hand sit at the centre, injecting a sense of versatility into this otherwise dressy occasion. Completing the dial are the bi-compax registers at three and nine, with the left register showing running seconds while the right measures elapsed chronograph minutes up to 30. Both registers are sunken on the dial and sit slightly lower than the central pinion of the hands.

Measuring 39.4mm in width with a thickness of 11mm, this elegantly proportioned piece houses a manual wind calibre that was a first for Patek.

The Movement

First debuted in 2009, the calibre CH 29-535 PS powers this piece and was not only Patek's first ever in-house calibre but also the first to receive the Patek Philippe Seal. Evolving away from the Lemania-based calibres that came before, this 65-hour power reserve strong calibre has a classic column wheel structure and is complete with many different finishes such as black polishing, brushing, perlage, striping, and anglage. 

How It Wears

The 5170G provides a real sense of wearing an oversized vintage watch on the wrist from an appearance perspective. Its 39.4mm width strikes the right balance between being alert to its classical form yet not held back by it, and the contrast-friendly mix of a black dial with white printing with the white metal case only aids in the timelessness of its design.

Condition & set

This Patek Philippe Chronograph 5170G dates from 2022 and is presented unpolished with some light signs of wear. The watch is sold as a full set along with its original Patek Philippe strap and matching white gold original Patek Philippe folding buckle.

Origin

It's widely regarded that Patek Philippe has occupied the top of the horological tree for centuries, invariably producing some of the most significant watches the world has ever seen. It has consistently maintained its eye for traditional, sophisticated, and innovative creations throughout each decade. Due to a combination of the aforementioned and low production numbers on specific references, many highly collectable and exceedingly rare watches often dominate auction room headlines. No matter the watch Patek Philippe turns its hand to, excellence follows.

While many know the chronograph for its instrument-led purpose and sporty-focused icons, the complication has also lived a dressy and elegant life, especially if 'Patek Philippe' graces the dial. From the 130 released in the 1930s, the 1463 or 1579 from the 1940s, to those references which bundle calendars such as the 2499, the 5970, or the 3970, the list of world-class chronographs by Patek is close to endless. In 2010, the 5170 was introduced with an appearance closely resembling some of those early elegant references. First released in 18ct yellow gold before a white gold reference in 2013, the 5170 is the type of watch that could have been released in any decade due to its remarkably classic styling. Many of the hallmarks of traditional mid-century design endure, including its manually wound movement – albeit an in-house calibre – meaning that despite the reference being over ten years old, the watch remains a well-celebrated staple amongst collectors.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. Viewing by appointment only.

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