Yasuharu Abe's Patek Theory - No. 131 - "Ref. 5970G-001" "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph"

Good evening everyone.

Today, I would like to introduce the long-awaited Grand Complication model " Ref. 5970G-001 " " Perpetual Calendar Chronograph " 18KWG, which I was determined to stock, as it has arrived for the first time at Commit Ginza (hereinafter referred to as our store).

*The product is already on sale in stores. We have received a lot of feedback and inquiries from customers overseas, so please understand if the product has already been sold at the time this column is published.

"Ref.5970G-001"
"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" 18KWG

The Ref. 5970 was announced at Baselworld in 2004 with an 18KWG (white gold) case and an 18KRG (rose gold) case as the successor to the Ref. 3970, the third-generation Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which was manufactured from 1986 to 2004.

In 2008, an 18KYG (yellow gold) case was released, and in 2009, a PT (platinum case) with a black dial was released.

My first impression when I first saw the "Ref. 5970G-001" was that it had a more modern dial design than its predecessor. I remember seeing it relatively often when it was released in 2004, but by the time Commit Ginza started six years ago, it was already a model with little circulation in the domestic market. Many people may think that the production numbers of 18KWG (white gold) and 18KRG (rose gold) cases are relatively high, but the production period of the "Ref. 5970" series is said to have been from 2004 to 2009, which is about 1/4 of the production period of the "Ref. 3970". There is no doubt that there are few units in circulation.

I'll go into a little more detail about the design, but I think the combination of the slightly grayish dial, which is the same color as the case, and the burnished hands and indexes makes this one of the coolest watches in the "Ref. 5970" series. I don't know what makes it special, but it's just so cool! The case has been enlarged from 36mm to 40mm, the sub-dials, the arrangement of the moon phase, and the tachymeter scale written on the outer edge of the dial - I think it's a perfectly balanced design.

In addition to the increased case size, the chronograph start/reset button has been changed from round to square. Square buttons were also used in the first model of the first-generation "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" "Ref. 1518" and the second-generation "Ref. 2499". Both are now popular and rare models that can only be found at overseas auctions.

The Lemania movement "Cal.27-70 Q", which can be seen through the sapphire glass skeleton back, is very beautiful to look at. It has a low beat of 18,000 vibrations per hour, but boasts stable accuracy and has a power reserve of about 60 hours. Incidentally, the "Ref.5970" series is the last model equipped with this movement.

The watch was overhauled and the case finished by the manufacturer in February 2019. The hands, WG crown, and sapphire crystal on the front were also replaced at that time, so the fact that it has been well maintained is a plus point.

Currently, the dial and hands are in good condition. The case and bezel have some unnoticeable scratches and scuffs. The alligator band shows some signs of wear, but it is still in good condition.

The accessories included are the warranty card, box, booklets including the instruction manual for the "Ref. 5970", a pass case, back cover, adjustment pins, and repair invoice.

The selling price you are interested in is SOLD OUT!!!

I'm sorry, but while I was writing this column, the item went on sale. To the customer who purchased it, I think you had a great eye for it!

"Ref.5970P-001"
"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" PT

We can't let it go as SOLD OUT, so we would like to briefly introduce the PT (platinum) case of the "Ref. 5970" which arrived a few days ago.

The "Ref. 5970P-001" was released in 2009 as the long-awaited final model of the "Ref. 5970" series.

The most distinctive feature is the black dial, which is only available with the PT (platinum) case.

As we mentioned when we introduced this watch previously, the numbers surrounding the moon phase at the 6 o'clock position are significantly larger than those on dials made of other materials, making them very easy to read.

This watch was overhauled and refinished by the manufacturer in October 2022. (The alligator band was also replaced with a new one.) As it is a grand complication model, it is inevitable that repair costs will be high, but for the next user, the fact that there are almost two years left of the manufacturer's repair warranty period is a very reassuring and welcome point.

All accessories included are the warranty, box, booklets including the "Ref. 5970" instruction manual (with an image of the 5970P), a pass case, back cover, adjustment pin, tag, the alligator band that was attached before the replacement, and a repair invoice.

The selling price is 39,930,000 yen (tax included)

Click here for the product page

Each case material for the "Ref. 5970" has its own merits, so it is difficult to choose a favorite, but I think the PT (platinum) case has the most special feeling. It is very difficult to find a watch in good condition, complete with accessories, and recently serviced by the manufacturer, so I think it is a very attractive watch.

summary

What did you think.

Although it has only been a few days, the entry restrictions have been relaxed, and the yen has further weakened, so the response from overseas customers is increasing day by day. I have once again realized that popular and rare models are in high demand both domestically and internationally. I would like to simplify the discussion of Patek Philippe, so if you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

see you!