Patek Philippe Research Team Celebrates Four Patents With New Minute Repeater

A 15-piece run shows off what Patek Philippe has to offer in the Patek Philippe Reference 5750P.

It seems like just the other day the hype around Patek Philippe’s Nautilus was at an all-time high. Patek Philippe is ready to make headlines once again, though. 

The Swiss company’s recent 40 mm x 11.10 mm platinum Ref. 5750 “Advanced Research” Minute Repeater is capturing plenty of attention; it is well deserved. Whereas the Nautilus was athletic and sporty and in a wider run of 170, this example brought forward four unique patents.

The R&D division at Patek Philippe was founded in 2005 to develop such new concepts and technologies. The 15-piece run reflects its latest and greatest discoveries.

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe

How is it so different? For starters, a new sound amplifying system is in place. In 1989, the base for it came to life as part of the caliber R 27 PS. The recent addition of the fortissimo “ff” module sets it apart today alongside the flexibly suspended sound lever.

There’s also a 0.2 mm thick sapphire-crystal oscillating wafer. This means that the chiming is six times louder. Patek Philippe reported that the sound magnification was anything but easy. With the original chime, it could be heard from 32 feet away. This version can be heard at 196 feet.

At 12:59, the maximum duration of the time strike is 32 strikes. That normally runs for 17 to 18 seconds. The new model increases this up to 21 seconds. 

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe

What many people don’t know is that rose gold actually achieves the best sound quality in a minute repeater. The upgrades, however, mean that the sound is supreme no matter the color of the gold. Try rose, yellow, white, and platinum. In fact, platinum is one of the hardest materials with which to work for horologists. Yet, Patek is going 950 platinum just to show everyone how it is done.

The 18K white gold face is anything but ordinary. Although the color is decent, the craftsmanship is outstanding. Built from five elements, an open-worked theme recalls the beautiful form of the wheels on a sleek retro automobile. 

A hand-stitched orange alligator leather strap brings the 342-part timepiece altogether.

The unique and stylish design is said to be informed by the personal tastes of Thierry Stern, the president of Patek Philippe.