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www.worldtempus.comNew technology for a legendary movementTo present the advantages of Silinvar® technology, Patek Philippe chose a movement with a history of over 30 years: the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 240. It is a choice that reflects the interaction of tradition and innovation. It also shows that even an ingeniously designed movement like the 240, a caliber that enjoys cult status among aficionados, still has plenty of potential. In the version with the perpetual calendar (Q) that advances the date, day of week, and the moon-phase display on a daily basis as well as the month and year, the movement must generate a considerable amount of energy. This is an ideal point of departure to demonstrate the energy efficiency of the neu Oscillomax® ensemble.
Caliber 240 Q Si: Two letters boost the power reserve from 48 to 70 hoursAs always at Patek Philippe, the designation of the caliber 240 Q Si movement is self-explanatory. Q stands for quantième perpétuel (French for perpetual calendar) and Si stands for silicon technology. And this technology is responsible for a quantum leap in the classic movement. It accounts for a significant increase of energy efficiency attributable to the innovative Oscillomax® subsystem, particularly of the Pulsomax® escapement and of the GyromaxSi® balance. This gain is based on the perceptibly lower mass of Silinvar® parts compared to conventional components, on the optimized geometry of the lever and escape wheel, and on the much-improved aerodynamics and mass distribution of the GyromaxSi® balance, to mention just some of the key reasons. Less energy dissipated means greater efficiency as demonstrated by a power reserve increase of about 50% without having necessitated any modifications of the mainspring, the frequency, or the moment of inertia of the balance. The efficiency of the winding train has also been perceptibly improved. The special-edition “Patek Philippe Advanced Research” perpetual calendar has a power reserve of up to 70 hours. This allows the watch to be set aside for an entire weekend without affecting its rate. Its owners will appreciate the fact that they can put the watch on again on Monday morning without having to update the perpetual calendar displays.
The third element of the Oscillomax® ensemble is the patented Spiromax® balance spring made of Silinvar®. Based on its superior material properties and its patented geometry with the Patek Philippe terminal curve, integrated collet and integrated stud attachment, it delivers a significant improvement of isochronism. It not only breathes symmetrically despite being flat, but is also antimagnetic, corrosionresistant, and extremely insensitive to shocks. Additionally, with no trade-off in terms of isochronism, the Spiromax® balance spring is three times flatter than a Breguet spring, making it ideal for ultra-thin movements.
With the sum of all these characteristics of the individual Oscillomax® components, the caliber 240 Q Si features a considerably improved power reserve combined with exceptional rate accuracy. It goes without saying that the Ref. 5550P perpetual calendar of the “Patek Philippe Advanced Research” series is subject to the same strict criteria defined by the Patek Philippe Seal that specify a maximum daily rate deviation of -3 to +2 seconds per 24 hours for all mechanical watches with a diameter of more than 20 mm.
Patek GyromaxSi Balance
Patek Pulsomax Escapement
Patek Spiromax Balance Spring
Technical data
Patek Philippe Advanced Research Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5550PMovement: Caliber 240 Q Si
Ultra-thin self-winding mechanical movement. Perpetual calendar with
analog displays for the day of the week, date, month, and leap-year
cycle. Moon phases and 24-hour display.
Diameter: 27.50 mm
Height: 3.88 mm
Number of parts: 281
Number of jewels: 25
Power reserve: Max. 70 hours
Winding rotor: Minirotor in 22K gold, unidirectional winding
Frequency: 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour (3 Hz)
Oscillomax®: Balance: GyromaxSi® (in Silinvar® and 24K gold)
Balance spring: Spiromax® (in Silinvar®)
Escapement: Pulsomax® (lever and escape wheel in Silinvar®)
Displays: Hours and minutes from the center
Day of week and 24-hour dial at 9 o'clock
Month and leap-year cycle at 3 o'clock
Analog date and moon-phase aperture at 6 o'clock
Functions: Two-position crown:
– Pulled out: To set the time
– Pushed in: To wind the watch
Corrector push pieces: Day at 9 o'clock
Date between 11 and 12 o'clock
Month between 12 and 1 o’clock
Moon phase at 6 o'clock
Setting stylus in ebony and 18K white gold delivered with the watch
Hallmark: Patek Philippe Seal
FeaturesCase: 950 platinum
Snap-on sapphire-crystal back with integrated loupe; diamond of approx.
0.02 ct. between the lugs at 12 o'clock
Water resistant to 30 m (3 bar)
Case dimensions: Diameter: 37.20 mm
Height: 8.80 mm
Overall height incl. loupe: 10.10 mm
Width between lugs: 19 mm
Dial: Silvery gray, vertical satin finish, “Advanced Research” inscription 12 obus hour markers in 18K rose gold with luminous coating
Hour and minute hands: Leaf-shaped, in 18K rose gold, with luminous coating
Hands for 24-hour display, leap-year cycle, date, day of week, and month:
Leaf-shaped, in 18K rose gold
Strap: Hand-stitched alligator leather with large square scales, shiny chocolate brown, platinum foldover clasp
Limited edition of 300 watches
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