Patek Philippe Ref 5070P-001 Rare Chronograph, Discontinued Full Set

Patek Ref. 5070 was introduced in 1998 as the brand’s first non-calendar chronograph in 40 years. The case design and size of the 5070 was inspired by an obscure and unique split-second chronograph that Patek manufactured in 1952 with movement number 867’857. That watch doesn’t have a reference number that I know of, but it is featured on Page 208 of Huber & Banbery’s seminal book on the history of Patek Philippe. Like the watch that inspired it, Ref 5070 was initially made in yellow gold with a black dial, Arabic applied numbers, and a tachymeter scale. Both the historic and modern models feature a stepped case and fluted lugs. While we believe Patek intended to create this distinguished and special model to celebrate its long and successful partnership with Nouvelle Lemania movements, the 5070 was not an instant success by any means. Incredibly, the watch languished on retailers’ shelves and traded at half its retail price in the secondary market. The large yellow gold case with