5070J-012, Saatchi Edition, Chronograph, Yellow Gold

Made for the Saatchi Gallery Exhibition, this 5070J-012 is amongst the most desirable Patek Philippe ever made. With the addition of a brown soleil metallic dial not seen elsewhere, the -012 code is unrivaled. Fonts were slightly massaged as well, not merely a color update alone. Widely believed to be 1 of 5 examples made, this ref. 5070J-012 is amongst the rarest production chronographs from Patek Philippe, full stop. Preserved in an exceptional state since unsealing, this is an ultimate 5070. 

In 2015, Patek Philippe held their Grand Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London, the largest display the manufacture had ever undertaken. In celebration of their 175th anniversary and for the first time ever, Patek Philippe released selection of previously discontinued models with immensely special dials, all in low single digit numbers. These pieces were granted to Patek Philippe’s most trusted clientele at the time. These few pieces have become some of the most significant productions of recent years. 

For the Saatchi Exhibition, four new variants of the 5070 were created. This was five years after the reference was officially discontinued and the 5170 had taken over. This was the result of a few unused cases left over, as well as a handful of new-old-stock Lemania & Geneva Seal calibres left. Each of the four variants was made in five examples, creating 20 total pieces. In sum, the following were created: a 5070P-013 with a slightly lighter blue & brighter metallic than standard production, a 5070G-014 with salmon dial, a 5070R-014 with metallic brown, and this 5070J-012 with metallic brown. 

The Saatchi dials look similar to early production variants, but differ meaningfully in the details. The Patek Philippe Geneve font changed to be considerably thinner, slimmer running seconds font, and updated designs for the applied Arabic numerals.

None of the Saatchi Editions were publicized at release. By 2015, the 5070 had begun to be highly collected. The revival of the model for the occasion was entirely unexpected, a thank you to the most loyal clients of Patek Philippe. We have not seen this special type of gratitude performed since, and may never again.

This 5070J-012 presents in excellent overall condition. The case is very strong and never refinished, with strong hallmarks. Its surfaces feature very light signs of wear, commensurate with sparing careful use. There no significant marks dial side, only very light signs of cleaning. This is one very light scratch on the caseback adjacent to the crown, extremely minimal but worth noting. The calibre CH 27-70 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. It comes on the pictured Patek Philippe tan alligator strap, with matching deployant clasp. The set includes its full leather folio, all papers, manuals, presentation box, and outer boxes.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.