Patek Philippe 5270G Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Dreaming of a timepiece through its paces is really a great way to appreciate what Patek Philippe has accomplished with this swiss automatic watches.
The reference 52.7 million perpetual calendar chronograph released by Patek Philippe in 2011 was a big deal.
This complication has been in Patek Philippe's catalogue since 1941, and as our extensive look at the collection points out, it's also one of the brand's most important watches. Vintage or modern, Patek Philippe's Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is one of the most coveted and collectible of all timepieces. The fact that no other watch has featured on so many watch auction catalogue covers is a testament to their collectible and widespread appeal. The introduction of the 5270 is remarkable as it is the first Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph to use a movement that is 100% designed and manufactured in-house. Expectations are high for such an iconic watch.
Like many others, I've been waiting years for its release - ever since Patek Philippe introduced their first watch with a true in-house chronograph movement in 2005, the absolutely superb reference 5959P. Patek Philippe has taken one of the most horological complications of all — the split-seconds chronograph — and created a new, innovative design. The result is a 27-525 PS, the world's thinnest split-seconds column-wheel chronograph movement that has wowed the watch world - it's also used in the 5950A seen here.
Although Patek Philippe was relatively late to launch their first in-house chronograph (by contrast, Rolex launched their own fully in-house chronograph in 2000), they made it clear that they would be a dominant force to be reckoned with . Sure enough, the 27-525 was Patek Philippe's first salvo in its in-house chronograph offensive. The following year, Patek Philippe introduced its first self-winding chronograph movement, the in-house designed and manufactured calibre 28-520, with a new vertical clutch design in the 5960P Annual Calendar Chronograph and later in the Nautilus Chronograph Table 5980.replica Patek Philippe Grand Complications
Three years later, in 2009, Patek Philippe introduced the 29-535 PS movement, which replaced the Nouvelle Lemania-based hand-wound chronograph calibre 27-70 CH that the brand had used since 1986. Prior to this, the 27-70 CH was used in reference to the 5070 Chronograph and was the base movement for the Reference 3970 and later the 5970 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. Caliber 29-535, originally released in the Ladies Reference 7071 Chronograph, will soon be released in the new Mens Reference 5170 Chronograph in 2010 to replace the 5070.
In 2011, Patek Philippe finally released the new Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5270G based on the 29-535 PS, eagerly awaited by enthusiasts, collectors and industry professionals. Perhaps coincidentally, this is also the 70th anniversary of Patek Philippe's release. The first perpetual calendar chronograph, the reference 1518, launched in 1941.
The dial layout of the 5270 reflects that it is a direct descendant of the 1518, retaining most of the hour markers of its predecessors, the 1518, 2499, 3970 and 5970. Like all these hour markers, the 5270 indicates the day and month with an aperture at 12 o'clock, a moon phase date display at 6 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and a seconds indication at 9 o'clock .
Some important dial differences set the 5270 apart from its predecessor. Most notably, the seconds hand indication and minute counter are now located below the central horizontal axis of the dial. It is believed that this is done to easily identify fakes now and in the future. But at the same time, it made life more difficult for Patek Philippe. The repositioning of these hands in the 29-535 PS makes the perpetual calendar module developed for the 3970 and 5970 obsolete. A completely new module was required, which Patek Philippe took two years to complete.Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar
To improve readability, the day/night and leap year indicators have been removed from the 9 and 3 o'clock subdial on the 3970 and 5970. Instead, they are placed inside the small holes on the date/left and right. The moon-phase subdial at 6 o’clock is inspired by the leap year aperture first used by Patek Philippe in the reference 34.5 million perpetual calendar introduced in 1981. The day/night indicator continuously transitions the hour from full white to full blue over a 24-hour period, with white for day and blue for night.
Since the release of the 5270, three different watch faces have been introduced. The first variant appeared in the watch numbered 5270G 001, removing the tachometer scale on the 5970 dial. Similar to the dial on the now-discontinued Reference 5004 Perpetual Calendar with Minute-Second Chronograph, the outer circumference features a second track for the chronograph, with 1/5-second subdivisions, minus markers for each minute position. A second enclosed railroad-style minute track is located within the outer seconds track. Finally, the font size of the "Patek Philippe" brand name at 12 o'clock is significantly increased compared to the size used on the 5970 due to the lower position of the sub-dial and more space in the upper half of the dial. The hour markers are black oxidized gold.
At the end of 2013, Patek Philippe discontinued the 5270G 001 and released a second dial type of the 5270G. Launched in two different colours - one with a silver opalescent dial, referenced 5270G-013, and the other with a blue sunburst dial, referenced 5270G-014 - this is the subject of this week's wrist review. Hands and application markers changed to platinum. Both have reintroduced a tachometer scale along the outer circumference. A combined open rail ring sits inside the tachometer for the chronograph seconds and chronograph minutes. The seconds hand and the 30-minute chronograph sub-dial were modified to include closed rail markers, while their centres were sunken or stepped with a very fine concentric guilloche pattern on the inside.discount replica watch
Perhaps the most polarizing feature of these second-generation 5270 dials is the conspicuously recessed chronograph seconds/minute track at 6 o’clock. Known as the "chin", it's as if the sub-dial hands were placed below the centerline of the dial, forcing the date/moon phase sub-dial down to the second/minute track.
This is a design "feature" that I dislike very much for the following reasons. Performance and accuracy are the raison d'être of chronographs, especially those made by Patek Philippe. This recessed area places the seconds track within the reach of the chronograph hands. Therefore, if the chronograph hand stops between 27 seconds and 33 seconds, it is difficult to read the time correctly with the naked eye. Collectors have made countless vitriolic comments about the "chin", but aesthetics aside, I think it's a fundamental flaw in the design of this chronograph's dial - if we're looking at the 5270 as a functional item, of course, most No.
Speaking of accuracy, as mentioned earlier, the 5270's chronograph second track is calibrated to 1/5 second intervals. However, the 29-535 PS inside the 5270 oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (bph), which corresponds to an accuracy of 1/8 second. The 1/5 scale matches perfectly with the 18,000 bph rate of the CH 27-70 used in the 3970 and 5970, so with the 29-535 beat rate up, I'd like to see the chronograph's 1/8 second interval second track. This and the "chin" are two jarring design elements that I am disappointed with. For most others, these are little issues in an otherwise very clear, pleasingly balanced and symmetrical dial.
Luckily for those in my camp, the third dial on this year's new reference 5271P -- the first platinum-cased black dial version of the 5270 -- eliminates the chin. The tachometer scale and the chronograph second hand track are separated, and the "Patek Philippe" font size at 12 o'clock is significantly reduced. In my humble opinion it is by far the best dial, even though the chronograph second track is still calibrated at 1/5 second intervals. I want the dial design of the 5271P to be the basis for all variants of the 5270.
The launch of the 5270 in 2011 marked Patek Philippe's no longer relying on any movement from other companies. The movement is based on the in-house chronograph movement 29-535 PS, originally launched in 2009 after five years of development. In it, Patek Philippe took advantage of the innovations of the ultra-thin split-seconds chronograph movement 27-525 PS, while taking lessons learned and improving on the shortcomings they found in the Nouvelle Lemania-based 27-70 CH movement.Bovet Amadeo Fleurier Grand Complications
Think of the chronograph mechanism as a separate module that is connected to the movement via a "clutch" that, once activated, powers the chronograph's indicators. For traditional and aesthetic reasons, Patek Philippe opted for a classic, column-wheel-based architecture with a lateral clutch engagement mechanism. Another vertical clutch was used by Patek Philippe in the self-winding CH 28-520 calibre introduced in 2006 and used in references 5960 and 5980. The vertical clutch coupling has some advantages, such as higher efficiency and less hand shake when the chronograph starts/stops/resets. However, for a large diameter hand-wound movement, the aesthetics and layout of the bridges would be less attractive if a design based on a vertical clutch were used.
Patek Philippe addressed the weaknesses of the lateral clutch mechanism, focusing on functionality, reliability and performance. Their knowledge base for doing so is the best. Patek Philippe has extensive experience transforming one of the greatest hand-wound lateral-clutch chronograph movements of all time, the Nouvelle Lemania 2310. Patek Philippe is based on the same movement (the Omega 321 movement) from the earlier Omega Speedmaster series. Extensive modifications have been made to extend the 2310's power reserve and improve its escapement, while finishing it to the highest standard. Reworked into the Patek Philippe 27-70 CH calibre, which excels in the Ref 5070 Chronograph and the Ref 3970 and 5970 Perpetual Calendar Chronographs.
With this unparalleled experience, the new 29-535 PS movement has been designed from the ground up, incorporating six patented innovations that virtually eliminate the weakness of the previous transverse clutch chronograph. Highlights of these innovations include:
1. Optimized tooth profile - The gears in the chronograph mechanism use teeth with a patented shape, so when they mesh with each other, there is little play between them. First used in the split-seconds chronograph calibre 27-525, this design eliminates hand jumps (jitters), improves energy efficiency and reduces friction for longer service intervals.
2. FUNCTIONAL COLUMN WHEEL COVER - A hallmark of a premium chronograph is the sophisticated "cap" that covers the column wheel. This is a feature required by the Geneva Seal, which Patek Philippe has used for over a century. Previously just a decorative feature, the Patek Philippe 29-535 makes the column wheel cover functional. It is now used to achieve precise adjustment and penetration of the clutch engaged with the chronograph wheel, simplifying assembly and repair while improving the performance of the chronograph.
3. Perforated minute cam – A new slot on this cam significantly reduces the chattering of the chronograph hand when it returns to zero after the reset pusher is pressed at four o’clock.replica Bell & Ross BR 05
4. Synchronization between the clutch lever and the locking lever r - Patek Philippe has adopted a simplified design between these two levers without too much technology to suppress the unnecessary jumping of the chronograph second hand. When starting or stopping, the chronograph hands start and stop precisely where they should be.
In addition, the 29-535 PS is equipped with an excellent instantaneous minute counter. When the chronograph second hand crosses the 60-second mark, the minute hand at 3 o'clock instantly jumps to the next minute. It's absolutely pleasing to watch and makes the wearer feel like they're holding a precision-built instrument.
One advantage of the lateral clutch architecture is that it allows the owner to see exactly how the timing mechanism works. The bridges are classically curvilinear and laid out in an open, logical manner. The finishing is excellent throughout, with all visible edges, screws and screw slots hand-finished with bevels and chamfers.
A very high quality free spring escapement with a Phillips winding and a Gyromax balance wheel oscillating at 28,800 bph, regulation 29-535. A significant increase over the 18,000 bph rate of the 27-70 CH, the higher rate enables high precision even with a smaller diameter balance. Patek Philippe's "Patek Philippe Seal" standard requires a rate accuracy of -3 to +2 seconds per 24-hour cycle for movements larger than 20 mm in diameter. The rate accuracy performance for this example is excellent. After my test period ended with a winding every 24 hours, I observed an accuracy of +2 seconds (average of +0.5 seconds/day) over the four days I measured its performance.
Talking about Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar chronographs cannot fail to mention the potential long-term collectible value of a particular reference. How does the 5270 fit in with its predecessor? The conclusion remains as watches are still very much alive and very few Patek Philippe references produce steam before they are discontinued. I would say that the 1518, 2499, 3970 and 5970 are fantastic pieces, each with their own fans, and the simple fact that they were discontinued contributes to their desire for long-term collectors.brm gulf watches
Furthermore, the production of all previous models was limited by the supply of external movement companies - first Valjoux and then Lemania. We know roughly how much is produced in each reference, and we also know that no more will be produced. We can't say the same about this new reference, as Patek Philippe holds all the keys to production. However, I believe that the 5270 is a watch of great significance, containing the first in-house mechanism for such a great combination of complications. Combined with the largest diameter in the family, and more than one dial variation, the 5270 is likely to be a very collectible piece in the future. The 5270-001 (introduced in 2011, discontinued in 2013) has seen increased demand from collectors, especially those who loathe the "chin".
Additionally, the two current dial options please many who disliked the oversized "Patek Philippe" logo on the original. From this review, the blue dial seems to be favored by collectors, and to quote a collector friend who now owns the watch, "With the blue dial, they fix the watch." Also, Patek Philippe produced a limited-edition 5270G exclusively for German retailers last year, and these examples have already sold at auction for well above their retail price. So, while some would argue that the 5270 lacks some of the charm of a pre-production movement, the high-end movement, large size, dial variations (which will undoubtedly lead collectors to define a different "series" of this watch),
The 5270 has a lot to love. Equipped with an absolutely first-class in-house movement, it consists of a perfectly balanced and well-proportioned case. I'll admit, I was skeptical of the new 29-535 PS, thinking it wasn't as functional as the old 27-70 caliber. I was impressed with its handling performance and accuracy.
The dial is large, well laid out and easy to read. The polarized "chin" found on the dials of the 5270G-013 and 5270G-014 is the only issue I see as a major design flaw. In all fairness, this is a criticism based on personal taste, and many will disagree. It is easy to correct if or when the dial of the new 5271P works on all variants.
I believe the 5270 is one of the best mechanical watches produced in Switzerland today, combining historical aesthetics and architecture with modern technological upgrades. The 5270 is a very modern replica watches for men that pays homage to its predecessors and is a well-deserved bearer of the torch of this great family.
