Situated at the zenith of watchmaking for well over a century, Patek Philippe has created some of the most historically significant timepieces of all time, and in typical fashion deserving of such praise, their timepieces are functional, excellently made and objectively beautiful, just like the ref. 5170, of which we have here. Launched in 2010, constructed of 18kt yellow gold and featuring simple applied stick indices in case-matching 18kt yellow gold set upon its brilliantly executed dial, this is a timepiece that both, flies under the radar and packs a serious punch for those that know what it is. Boasting a bright white dial with simple black lettering in a serif font, the ref. 5170 is immediately luxurious and elegant as it recalls the mid-century chronographs that came before it. Featuring a bi-compax dial arrangement, the ref. 5170 features two recessed subdials for its chronograph function alongside a pulsations scale that pairs with a 60-second scale that combine to encircle the dial and add a further hit of functionality, legibility and symmetry to the ref. 5170’s thoughtfully executed design. Offered within a polished case that falls just below 40mm in diameter at 39.4mm, the ref. 5170 is intensely elegant as it balances modern tastes with an elegant design language. Powered by the manual-wind cal. 29-535 PS that allows the ref. 5170 to stand just 10.9mm tall, while also displaying Patek’s incredible craftsmanship behind its exhibiton caseback, the ref. 5170J is a lesson in watchmaking that only a brand of Patek’s caliber could successfully pull off.

Carefully designed, carefully crafted, and meticulously executed, the ref. 5170 showcases that while modern Patek Philippe might be producing more timepieces than ever before, they certainly are not holding back on creating spectacular timepieces deserving of adulation.