Patek Philippe

Established by Patek Philippe in 2005, the Advanced Research department is dedicated to pushing technological boundaries in horology through the integration of new patents, materials, and micro-engineering elements. In 2005, Patek Philippe unveiled its first timepiece developed in collaboration with the Advanced Research department – the ref. 5250 Annual Calendar, limited to 100 pieces. Noteworthy for its groundbreaking Silinvar escape wheel, this innovation, weighing two-thirds less than a conventional counterpart, demands less energy for acceleration, thereby allocating more energy to precise timekeeping operations.In the following year, Patek Philippe and the Advanced Research Department introduced a new ref. 5350 Annual Calendar limited to 300 pieces featuring the same Silinvar Escape Wheel with a newly patented balance spring composed of Silinvar. The new balance spring allowed for better precision for timekeeping with lower mass, reduced sensitivity to gravity and shock and also flatter than the Breguet overcoil.

Advancing to 2008, Patek Philippe unveiled the ref. 5450 Annual Calendar, limited to 300 platinum pieces. This model showcased a Gyromax balance with Spiromax hairspring and a newly developed Pulsomax escapement, and also an updated silicon escape wheel and pallet lever. All of this showcased through the sapphire crystal display back with a built-in sapphire magnifying glass. The reference 5450P, with its distinctive “salmon dial”, was the first Advanced Research model cased in platinum, which is further accentuated by a small diamond set on the between the lugs at six o’clock. Serving as the final annual calendar model in the collection, it was also the last of the Advanced Research series to receive the Geneva Seal, as Patek Philippe transitioned all of its watches to the new internal Patek Philippe Quality Seal in 2009. We are pleased to offer this lot in overall excellent condition and complete with its full suite of accessories.