Patek Philippe Chronograph Buying Guide

For anyone looking for a high-end chronograph that's as functional as it is beautiful, the Patek Philippe Complications 5172 is a top choice. In this buyer's guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about this exceptional timepiece, from its history and design to its features and pricing. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of luxury watches, this guide will help you make an informed decision about whether the Patek Philippe Complications 5172 is the right choice for you.

History of Patek Philippe Chronograph 5172

The Patek Philippe Complications 5172 was introduced in 2019 at the Baselworld watch fair in Switzerland. It replaced the previous reference, the 5170, which had been in production since 2010. The 5172 features several updates and improvements over its predecessor, including a larger case size, new dial colors, and a more refined movement. Despite its relatively recent introduction, the 5172 has quickly become a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. While the Patek Philippe Complications 5172 and 5170 are relatively new models, they are part of a long history of chronograph watches produced by the brand. Patek Philippe has been crafting timepieces with chronograph complications since the 19th century, and over the years, the brand has become renowned for its exceptional chronographs. The 5170, which was introduced in 2010, was notable for being the first Patek Philippe chronograph to feature an in-house movement with a column wheel and horizontal clutch. This movement, which is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is a true work of art, with hand-finished surfaces and intricate details that showcase the brand's exceptional craftsmanship. When the 5172 was introduced in 2019, it built upon the legacy of the 5170, offering several updates and improvements to the design and functionality of the watch. These updates included a larger case size, new dial colors, and a more refined movement that features a traditional column wheel and vertical clutch. Both the 5170 and 5172 are part of Patek Philippe's Complications collection, which is known for its intricate movements and impressive features. These watches represent the pinnacle of chronograph design and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

What makes the Patek Philippe Complications Chronograph 5172 special?

The Patek Philippe Complications 5172 is a special watch for several reasons. Here are some key features that make it stand out:

• Exceptional Movement: The 5172 features an in-house movement, caliber CH 29-535 PS, which is a manually wound chronograph movement with a column wheel and a vertical clutch. This movement is a true masterpiece of precision engineering, with a high level of finishing and decoration that is characteristic of Patek Philippe.
• Iconic Design: The 5172 has a classic design that is instantly recognizable as a Patek Philippe watch. It features a round case with a fluted bezel, a distinctive dial with Arabic numerals and tachymeter scale, and chronograph sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock.
• Updated Case Size: The 5172 has a larger case size than its predecessor, the 5170, measuring 41mm in diameter compared to 39.4mm. This gives the watch a more modern and sporty look, while still retaining the elegance and sophistication that Patek Philippe is known for.
• Variety of Dial Colors: The 5172 is available in several dial colors, including blue, black, and silver. Each dial color has a slightly different look and feel, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suits their personal style.
• Limited Production: While Patek Philippe doesn't release production numbers, it's believed that the 5172 is produced in relatively limited quantities. This makes it a highly sought-after watch among collectors and enthusiasts, and adds to its exclusivity and rarity.

Overall, the Patek Philippe Complications 5172 is a special watch that combines exceptional functionality with timeless elegance and a classic design. It represents the pinnacle of chronograph design and is highly sought-after by watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

Reference Number	Description
5172G-001	White Gold Case, Blue Sunburst Dial, Black Alligator Strap
5172G-010	White Gold Case, Grey Sunburst Dial, Brown Alligator Strap
5172G-001B	White Gold Case, Blue Sunburst Dial, Bracelet
5172R-001	Rose Gold Case, Silver Opaline Dial, Brown Alligator Strap
5172R-010	Rose Gold Case, Brown Sunburst Dial, Brown Alligator Strap
5172R-001B	Rose Gold Case, Silver Opaline Dial, Bracelet

The Patek Chronograph Movement

The Patek Philippe CH 29-535 PS is a manually-wound chronograph movement that is known for its exceptional precision and reliability. Here's a breakdown of some of its key features: Chronograph: The movement features a chronograph function, which allows the wearer to measure elapsed time with great accuracy. The chronograph is activated using a pusher on the side of the case, and the central chronograph hand measures elapsed seconds, while the 30-minute counter records elapsed minutes. Small seconds: The movement also features a small seconds sub-dial, which is located at 6 o'clock on the dial. This provides a constant display of the seconds, which is useful for timing events or for setting the watch accurately. Diameter: The movement has a diameter of 29.6 mm, which is relatively large for a manual-winding movement. This allows for more precise construction and allows Patek Philippe to fit more features into the movement. Height: The movement is quite thin, with a height of just 5.35 mm. This allows for a more streamlined case design and ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. Number of parts: The movement is made up of 270 parts, which is a relatively high number for a manually-wound chronograph. This reflects the complexity and precision of the movement's construction. Bridges: The movement has 11 bridges, which are used to hold the various components in place. Each bridge is carefully finished and decorated by hand, reflecting Patek Philippe's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. Jewels: The movement has 33 jewels, which are used to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. The jewels are carefully placed in strategic locations throughout the movement, and are a hallmark of high-end watchmaking. Power reserve: With the chronograph disengaged, the movement has a power reserve of at least 65 hours. This means that the watch can run for more than two and a half days without needing to be wound. Balance: The movement features a Gyromax® balance, which is a patented innovation by Patek Philippe. The balance is designed to be highly precise and to resist changes in temperature and position, ensuring that the watch keeps accurate time in a variety of conditions. Vibrations/hour: The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz. This high frequency allows for greater accuracy and precision in timekeeping. Balance spring: The movement features a Breguet balance spring, which is a type of hairspring that is known for its exceptional precision and resistance to shocks. Hallmark: The movement is certified with the Patek Philippe Seal, which is a hallmark of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Watches that carry the Patek Philippe Seal must meet strict standards for accuracy, reliability, and finishing, and are among the finest timepieces in the world.

Buying the Patek Philippe Chronograph 5172 for Less than Retail

The Patek Philippe Complications 5172 is a highly sought-after watch among collectors and enthusiasts, and it's not uncommon for new models to sell well above retail price in the secondary market. However, there are some instances where the 5172 can be found in the grey market for under retail price, which can present a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire this exceptional timepiece at a lower cost. The grey market refers to the sale of goods through channels that are not authorized by the manufacturer or retailer. In the case of luxury watches, this often involves dealers or individuals who acquire watches from authorized dealers and then resell them through alternative channels.  For collectors, the opportunity to acquire a Patek Philippe Complications 5172 at a lower cost can be very appealing. This watch represents the pinnacle of chronograph design and is highly sought after by watch enthusiasts around the world. By purchasing a 5172 in the grey market, collectors can potentially save thousands of dollars compared to buying the watch directly from an authorized dealer.