Patek Philippe Ref# 5070J-001 This example is in excellent condition with very crisp hallmarks.
The 5070J chronograph manual-wind watch, features a 42 mm case. This is a Yellow gold example with Black dial and yellow gold deployment buckle. Functions include hours, minutes, second hand, and chronograph.
ESSAY:
The Patek Philippe reference 5070 was the first chronograph-only wristwatch released by the firm since the 1960s when production of the iconic water resistant reference 1463 ceased. Introduced in 1998 at Basel, it was something of a shock to collectors that Patek would choose to reintroduce their chronograph-only line in such bold fashion – particularly the oversized 42mm case diameter and the dramatically thick, stepped bezel. First released in 18K yellow gold with a black dial, such as the present example, the manufacture drew inspiration for the design of the 5070 from a unique, split-seconds chronograph wristwatch from the early 1950s:
In 1998, the Ref. 5070 represented Patek Philippe's return to production of chronograph watches after 30 years . The 5070 production was limited to 250 watches per year in each metal. It was in production for a relatively short time:
