At Baselworld 2017, Patek Phillipe released the fifth watch from its “Advanced Research” limited-edition range, the Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5650G. This timepiece breaks new ground with the launch of two important innovations in the field of horological design and also marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic Aquanaut in style.
The new Ref. 5650 Aquanaut Travel Time “Patek Philippe Advanced Research” features a 40.8mm by 11mm 18K white-gold case and is water-resistant to 120 meters. Limited to just 500 pieces, the watch is the first to feature two major technological innovations: an optimised “Spiromax” balance spring with an inner boss and the compliant “flexible mechanism” for the time-zone settings.
This Aquanaut is run by Patek’s automatic caliber 324 S C FUS, but in this case it has been upgraded to feature two new innovations developed by the Patek Philippe Advanced Research laboratory. The first is the Spiromax balance spring made of Silinvar. This design mitigates the effects of isochronism, one of the fundamental problems affecting oscillators with balance wheels and hairsprings. The result of this is the enhanced accuracy of the watch, reducing the rate of error to between -1 and +2 seconds per day which is close to the precision found in Patek Philippe’s much vaunted tourbillon watches.
The second innovation pertains to the time-zone setting mechanism. Patek has utilised “compliant” or flexible mechanisms to replace the original pivoting elements and has sought to simplify the design and assembly involved in this part of the caliber. The device is now made of just 12 (originally 37) steel parts with several intersecting leaf springs.
The face of the Aquanaut features the familiar blue embossed styling found on Patek sports watches and is home to both the local time and date and a second timezone. Part of the movement is exposed in the 9 o’clock position and the text “Advanced Research” is found inside the date indicator dial. The piece is fitted to a night blue composite strap and is fastened with a three part strap made from 18ct white gold.
This limited edition piece is sure to be highly sought after. To register your interest, please call our Canary Wharf Showroom on 020 7538 2332 or contact them here.
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