Dressed with a combination of Breguet numerals and feuille (leaf-shaped) hands, the Patek Philippe 5170G Chronograph has long been emblematic of what makes Patek Philippe such a highly regarded name in the field of high horology. Launched in 2010, it replaced the epic 5070G, a highly regarded, Lemania based two-register chronograph, exemplary of the classically elegant, vintage aesthetic codes.

For Baselworld 2019, just shy of its 10th anniversary, the 5170G Patek Philippe Chronograph was retired and taking its place was the ref. 5172G chronograph with subtly vintage, art deco sculptural elements from a 2017 ref. 5320G Perpetual Calendar to great effect. In short, the Patek Philippe Ref. 5172G Chronograph is our favourite chronograph re-designed.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5172G Chronograph – Our Favourite Chronograph Re-designed

Though its 2mm larger than its predecessor, the 41mm Patek Philippe Ref. 5172G bears a countenance and design with a more pronounced vintage temperament, ably assisted by another vintage element – syringe hands, which adds to the illusion that Patek Philippe’s latest chronograph wears smaller.

The contrast of old-school domed box sapphire crystal and a modern dark blue dial with a tachymetre scale with applied white gold Arabic rather than Breguet numerals simultaneously makes the ref. 5172G chronograph more dressy while keeping things more casual than the classic dress chronograph it replaces.

Equipped with the same manual-winding manufacture calibre CH 29-535 PS as its predecessor, the ref. 5172G chronograph, the classic movement with column wheel and horizontal clutch calls a new white gold case with round guilloched pushers and three-tier lugs home. The six patent hand-wound calibre CH 29-535 PS can be considered a new milestone for the Geneva manufacture considering that it replaced a 30 year old Nouvelle Lemania-based CH 27-70 calibre, used by Patek since the 1980s.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5172G Chronograph Price and Specs

Movement manually wound Caliber CH 29‑535 PS with 65 hours power reserve
Case 41mm white gold with 30 metres water resistance
Strap Leather
Price EUR 66,870 or US$73,712