Patek Philippe is renowned for the sound quality of its minute repeaters. The manufacture now presents the Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Fortissimo Ref. 5750P with an innovation that increases the volume of the striking mechanism. For this purpose, the watch has a thin glass plate that picks up and amplifies the vibrations of the hammers. The technology was developed by the “Advanced Research” department, which, among other things, has already researched the material silicon for the manufacture. The reference 5750P introduces the so-called Fortissimo module in a limited edition of only 15 pieces.
Due to its high material density, platinum represents the greatest challenge for the creation of minute repeaters. Nevertheless, the 5750P “Advanced Research” appears with a 40 mm case made of this very metal. In this way, the manufacture wants to demonstrate the efficiency of the fortissimo system. Despite the new module, the watch measures only 11.1 mm in height, which is similar to other repeaters from Patek Phillipe. The slider for triggering the function is set into the left flank of the case. On the other side is the crown for winding and setting the watch. At 6 o’clock, a small diamond also adorns the case.
Due to the special architecture of the sound amplifier, however, the watch is not waterproof. On the back, the sound escapes through a fine gap between the case back and the middle part of the timepiece. However, a dust filter protects the mechanism from particles and moisture. On the back, however, the sapphire glass case back also allows a view of the innovative technology.
The dial of them ref. 5750P is inspired by the spoked wheels of vintage automobiles. The pattern in the centre stands out against a black background with spiral lines. This design is also echoed in the small seconds at 6 o’clock. Here, a disc with a small index functions as hand. The rotation, together with the main pattern, creates a unique dynamic image. The main time is indicated by two flat Dauphine hands on a minute track with applied flying kite indexes from blackened white gold.
The watchmakers use the time-honoured calibre R 27 PS from 1989 as the basis for their innovation, but they equip it with modern parts such as the Spiromax hairspring in silicon. The “ff” fortissimo amplifier system was built onto the bridge side of the Ref. 5750P. It consists of a sound lever and an oscillating plate made of sapphire crystal. The tone lever is attached to the hammers and extends to the centre. Here, it carries the glass plate.
As with a traditional minute repeater, hammers strike a gong that spirals around the movement. However, the floating sound lever absorbs the vibrations before they can spread through the case. The sound then reaches the small plate made of sapphire, where the amplification takes place. Similar to the funnel of a gramophone, the plate amplifies the vibrations. The sound then escapes through four openings in a titanium hoop at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. With this system, the strikes can still be heard at a distance of up to 60 metres. A typical repetition, in contrast, is only audible up to 10 metres. Since the amplification system is completely uncoupled from the movement, the case material has no influence on the sound quality.
However, the manufacture also improved the calibre R 27 PS for the Ref. 5750P in other regards. For example, the watchmakers used platinum for the hammers, which is supposed to increase the quality of the strike. In addition, the decentralised micro-rotor is made of the same material, which made it possible to reduce the height of the rotor. The rotor also bears the decoration which can be seen on the front. Other adornments include the Calatrava cross on the governor and the large bridge with Geneva striping. This “Advanced Research” model also bears the in-house “PP” seal, which is supposed to guarantee the high quality of the watch.
The watch comes on an alligator leather strap with large square scales in shiny orange. It also has a platinum folding clasp. The Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Ref. 5750P is a limited edition of only 15 pieces. The price in Switzerland is 590,000 Swiss francs.
