The Patek Philippe 5170 is a manual-winding chronograph that the maker introduced in 2010 and retired in 2019, when the ref. 5172 took its place. It runs the in-house calibre CH 29-535 PS, the same movement the 5172 still uses, so the watches differ mostly in case, pushers and character rather than in mechanics. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk: we find specific units on request and do not hold these watches as stock.
Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. This is a reference explainer, not a valuation. Sources: SJX, introduction of the 5172G and Monochrome, 5172G versus 5170.
What is the Patek Philippe 5170?
The 5170 is Patek Philippe's mid-size, hand-wound chronograph with a slim dress-watch profile, built around a movement made in-house. It arrived in 2010 and was made in several precious metals, including yellow gold (5170J), rose gold (5170R), white gold (5170G) and platinum (5170P). The platinum version, with a blue fumé dial, arrived last and ran for under three years before the whole reference was discontinued in 2019. The case measures 39.4 mm in diameter.
The look is classic: a round case, slim rectangular chronograph pushers, a restrained dial and, on many examples, an alligator strap. Collectors tend to treat it as a dressy chronograph rather than a sports one. For where it sits among the brand's other chronographs, see our Patek Philippe complications chronograph collection.
Which movement does the 5170 use?
The 5170 uses the manual-winding calibre CH 29-535 PS. Published specifications for this calibre list a 29.6 mm diameter, a 5.35 mm height, 33 jewels, a 28,800 vibrations per hour beat and a power reserve of about 65 hours with the chronograph disengaged. It also carries the Patek Philippe Seal. Monochrome counts 270 parts in the movement.
Because it is hand-wound, there is no rotor, so the caseback shows the movement unobstructed through a sapphire window. The same calibre drives the successor, and the SJX report on the 5172G calls the two mechanically identical. If you are weighing the watches purely for what is inside, there is little to separate them.
How does the 5170 differ from the 5172?
The 5172 is larger and more casual, while the 5170 is slimmer and more formal. Patek Philippe unveiled the 5172G at Baselworld 2019 as the replacement for the 5170. The new watch measures 41 mm across and 11.45 mm thick in white gold, with a domed box-type sapphire crystal, a tachymeter scale and syringe-style hands. Its pump-style pushers with decorated tops and its fluted lugs take cues from vintage Patek designs, according to the launch coverage.
| Feature | Patek Philippe 5170 | Patek Philippe 5172 |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Introduced 2010, discontinued 2019 | Introduced 2019 (shown at Baselworld) |
| Movement | Manual-winding CH 29-535 PS | Manual-winding CH 29-535 PS |
| Power reserve | About 65 hours (shared calibre) | About 65 hours |
| Case diameter | 39.4 mm | 41 mm |
| Pushers | Slim rectangular | Pump-style with decorated tops |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Domed box-type sapphire |
| Character | Classic, dressy | Bolder, more casual |
The 5172 is the current reference of the pair, so it is the one you will find in the brand's present lineup, with its own dial variations such as the 5172G-010 with a salmon dial.
Is the 5170 the same watch as the 5172 with a new case?
Not quite: they share the movement, but the case, pushers, lugs and dial language were all redrawn. The 5172 is a deliberate step toward vintage-inspired detailing, while the 5170 is the quieter, more minimalist design. Some collectors prefer the earlier watch for its smaller proportions and slimmer look on the wrist. Others prefer the newer one for its presence and legibility.
Neither is a sports chronograph. Water resistance on the 5172G is reported at 30 m, which is splash resistance only, so treat both as dress watches and keep them away from swimming and showers.
Is the Patek 5170 still worth looking for?
It is a sensible target for a buyer who wants the 5172's movement in a smaller, classic package, and because it was discontinued, buying one means buying pre-owned. Condition, completeness of the box and papers, service history and metal all affect what you are looking at, and these are the points to settle before you commit. Prices move with the market and the reference, so we do not quote a figure here.
Bizak & Co. does not hold these watches in stock. We source a specific unit to order, confirm its condition and paperwork, and only then do you decide. Browse the wider Patek Philippe collection to see the sort of references we handle, and remember that any listing is a guide to what we can find, not a unit on a shelf.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Patek Philippe 5170 made?
The 5170 was introduced in 2010 and discontinued in 2019, when the 5172 replaced it. The platinum version from 2017 was the last variant released.
What movement is in the Patek 5170?
It uses the manual-winding in-house calibre CH 29-535 PS, which provides about 65 hours of power reserve. The 5172 uses the same calibre.
What is the difference between the Patek 5170 and 5172?
The movement is shared, but the 5172 has a larger 41 mm case, pump-style pushers, a tachymeter scale and more vintage-inspired detailing. The 5170 is slimmer, more classic and more formal.
Is the Patek Philippe 5170 discontinued?
Yes. Patek Philippe retired the 5170 in 2019 and introduced the 5172 as its successor, so any 5170 today is a pre-owned watch.
Related reading: Patek Philippe 5172G-010 with a salmon dial.
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Tell us the model, size, dial and bracelet preference, whether you want new or pre-owned, and your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs and final price before you commit, so you can arrange financing against a real target.
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