1998 Patek Philippe Ref. 5070J-001 18K Yellow Gold with Papers

The ref. 5070J-001 was released by Patek Philippe in the Basel fair in 1998 and it has been sitting underneath our noses for 25 years.

 

It was Patek’s first chronograph not equipped with an additional calendar function since the ref. 1463 (discontinued in the 1960s), being the first straightforward chronograph from the Swiss manufacturer after a 30-year run without one.

 

With a 42mm case, it was the single largest wristwatch created by Patek since 1950, when the 45mm ref. 2512 was born. With it, the use of the manually wound Lemania ébauche caliber 2310 (rechristened as the caliber CH 27-70) ended for Patek.

 

The 5070J-001 in 18K yellow gold with contrasting pitch-black dial and applied Arabic numerals marked the start of the production, being finally discontinued in 2002 letting space for the rose gold version with silver dial.

This early example ref. 5070J-001, produced in 1998 and sold in 1999, comes from a private collection and remains in superb, untouched, and original condition.

 

The mirror black dial is flawless, with no stains, spots, chips, or marks of any kind. It contrasts in a lovely way with the applied, gold Arabic numerals and gold hands. The rest of the printings (brand, outer track and subregisters) are rendered in a sleek gilt printing that radiates sophistication, remaining also in perfect condition.

 

The 18K yellow gold case remains unpolished. In fact, this watch is unworn. What is seen on the case is only light storage marks from moving it from one place to another accompanying the owners’ family through these 25 years, and a very soft wipe done by the son of the original owner with a slightly unfriendly product for metals with the intention of removing the dust from storage, causing a very light and superficial drag.

 

The display case back remains in the same condition as the case.

 

The Patek Philippe caliber CH 27-70 remains clean and sharp, running excellent. This watch has never been opened before and remains unserviced.

 

It is on its original Patek Philippe leather strap with original 18K yellow gold buckle that also remains unworn and shows little wear caused by the way it was stored.

 

Coming directly from the private collection of the original owner, this example is presented with the Certificate of Origin showing it was sold by the Swiss authorized Patek Philippe retailer Gubelin A.G. in January 1999. In this set we can also find the wallet, manuals, travel pouch, original plastic bag and original envelope with reference and serial sticker to protect these documents.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.