Saatchi 5070P Patek Philippe Chronograph

To most, the word Saatchi brings to mind an art gallery in London or a man named Charles. To watch obsessives, Saatchi is a crowning adjective applied to Patek Philipps through the neo-vintage era. On the 5070, the Saatchi very much marks the traditional king of chronographs returning to their throne. In 2015, Patek Philippe exhibited at the Saatchi gallery to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the brand. To mark the occasion, a few of their most beloved references were given special treatments for Patek Philippe’s most special clients. Some references were even brought back from the dead, official 5070 production stopped in 2010. There were updated and lightly altered editions of the 5070, 3970, 5970, and 3940 amongst others. We’re talking about life-alteringly beautiful Pateks. One just surfaced on the market. This is one of just 5 Saatchi blue dial 5070Ps made, which all featured a unique navy metallic dial for the exhibition.

In 2015 as now, the 5070 is a very significant reference to the brand. You see, chronograph production through the later part of the last century was anything but continuous at Patek Philippe. It went 1463 from the early 1940s until late 60s. Then, well, nothing. Nothing at all for four decades, no humble chronograph was made. The 5070 returned with a Lemania ébauche in 1998. It was also the first chronograph to tip over 40mm, inspired by the 1950s ‘Jumbo’-case, split seconds ref. 2512. It’s a Lemania 2310 dressed to the nines, wearing a Geneva Seal, blue, and platinum. Saatchi, for 5070 and the other references they chose, are the very best from what I’ve begun terming ‘Pre-Thierry’, or some of Patek’s greatest years in the twilight of what the brand was built upon.

For the Saatchi 5070s, there are four known configurations, each made in 5 examples. We’ve seen white gold with a salmon dial. Those have traded hands from 590-943K USD over the last two years at auction. Then there’s a yellow gold with a brown dial, which has ranged from 478-547K USD. A pink gold with a black dial was made, which last year hit 327K. This blue dial Saatchi in platinum has a visually close production variant, but the dial is considerably lighter here for those paying attention. Is that worth the premium? That’s up to you. But the history and occasion carry a huge degree of weight to Patek collectors. And it is more beautiful. 

This example sports a great case and dial. There's not much to note on condition. It has lovely proportions, totally full. It comes with its original full kit down to the hang tag. One hell of a chronograph.