A TIMEPIECE OF UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE.

Patek Philippe 5970J-001 Yellow Gold Grand Complication Perpetual Calendar w/ Chronograph & Moonphase

Please note that the 5970J-001 is now formally discontinued.

The Patek Philippe 5970 is a thoroughly modern interpretation of Patek’s classical pairing of the perpetual calendar and chronograph complications. When Patek announced plans to discontinue the previous perpetual/chronograph model reference 3970, people asked why. However, the reference 5970 needs no justification: this is a gorgeous watch in every aspect. I can’t describe it adequately, but the new case is at once more modern and more vintage in appearance than its predecessor. It’s a bolder, more massive case with vintage lines. At any rate, the reference 5970 is the most sought after current production Patek Philippe.

Let’s start with the 18k Yellow gold case. The dimensions are a robust 40mm diameter by 13.5mm thick, and has three piece construction. The bezel is attractively tall and massive, while the center section bows quite broadly to allow room for the large caliber, and the screw down case back seals everything securely. Lugs are flared, which imparts a vintage style, which is reinforced by the rectangular shaped chronograph pushers. The watch is delivered with a sapphire crystal display back and a second, solid caseback. Domed sapphire crystal in front. Water resistant to 25 meters.

While I’m sure some people prefer the solid back, I can’t imagine hiding this amazing caliber. The Patek Philippe Caliber 27 70 Q is a sight to behold. Manual winding with 24 jewels, power reserve of approximately 55 hours, beating at 18,000 beats per hour. This truly superlative caliber provides a perpetual calendar and column wheel chronograph construction.

Dial is silver with Yellow gold hands and applied hour markers. The hands and hour markers are painted a graphite color for improved legibility. Days and months are displayed beneath 12 o’clock, nine o’clock sub-dial displays constant seconds and 24 hour indicator, three o’clock sub-dial displays leap year and 30 minute chronograph counter, and the moonphase and date are displayed above six o’clock.