Patek Philippe Pulsomax Ref. 5450 Watch Completes Advanced Research Silinvar Trio

The new Patek Philippe Ref. 5450 Annual Calendar watch continues the Geneva manufacturer's ambitious project to offer innovative escapement technology.  This platinum timepiece, produced in a limited series of 300, features an escape wheel, hairspring, and pallet fork in Silinvar, a silicon material developed by the Patek Philippe Advanced Research Department.  With a density 1/3 that of steel components--the traditional materials used in conventional Swiss lever escapements--and an outstanding natural lubricity that eliminates the need for oiling, Silinvar offers advantages in long term servicing concerns, and resistance to corrosion and magnetism.   The Patek Philippe Advanced Research Ref. 5450 Annual Calendar watch is presented in a 39mm case made from platinum.  As is the situation with all of Patek Philippe's platinum watches, a round brilliant diamond is set between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position.  A distinctive salmon colored dial a light brown alligator strap gives this watch a distinctively elegant appearance, which sets it apart from other Patek Philippe Annual Calendars.  Connoisseurs will appreciate the magnified section of the sapphire crystal caseback, which allows an exacting view of the various components of the escapement.   This timepiece represents a logical evolution of a project which was initiated three years ago.  Patek Philippe Advanced Research began its silicon revolution in 2005, with the introduction of the Ref. 5250 watch; this model incorporated an escape wheel made from Silinvar.  In 2006, Patek Philippe took the concept one step further with the Ref. 5350, which utilized the Silinvar escape wheel in conjunction with a hairspring crafted from the same material, dubbed "Spiromax".  Now, with the Ref. 5450, Patek Philippe has optimized the entire escapement system with the technical advantages of silicon.