Patek Philippe has unveiled a new annual calendar watch, the Pulsomax Ref. 5450.  An exclusive product of the Patek Philippe Advanced Research Department, this limited edition platinum watch is much more than just another attractive Annual Calendar.  It represents a continued evolution which dates back to 2005–the year that the Manufacture brought forth it’s Ref. 5250 watch, which debuted a Silinvar escape wheel.  The following year, Ref. 5350 was shown, which featured another silicon innovation–the Spiromax hairspring.  Now, in 2008, the escapement structure has been completed, with a pallet fork in silicon–which Patek Philippe has named “Pulsomax”.   Like its predecessors, the Ref. 5450 watch has a magnified section on its sapphire back which invites viewing of the escapement group.

Along with Ulysse Nardin, Patek Philippe has made great strides into researching the potential uses of silicon components, and the way these can greatly extend the service life and precision of the mechanical watch.  The extremely precise Pulsomax pallet fork and Silinvar escape wheel–which are both highly resistant to corrosion and impervious to magnetism–have truly excellent anti-friction properties, and unlike the steel components in a traditional Swiss lever escapement (the system used in most watches made today) do not require any lubrication.  Even better, because of their light weight compared to the conventional parts, energy transfer that the escapement supplies to the balance wheel is greatly improved. 

It’s both fascinating and gratifying to see Patek Philippe pursuing the science of chronometry actively today, following up their legendary history as a major player during the fabled chronometer competitions of the early to mid 20th century.  The fortunate individuals who can acquire one of these Advanced Research Annual Calendar watches will thus have a fine timepiece which carries on a historically rich legacy of horological innovation.