Skip to main content

A Tradition of Innovation

Advanced Research

Pushing Watchmaking Boundaries

Established in 2005 and now part of the Research and Development division, the Patek Philippe "Advanced Research" department is dedicated to pioneering research in new materials, technologies, and design principles. Its mission is to unlock new possibilities and perspectives in the art of watchmaking.

0:00
/
0:00

Useful innovation

At Patek Philippe, innovation is meaningful only when it provides real added value in quality, precision, and long-term reliability for the wearer. Several innovations from our Advanced Research office have been seamlessly incorporated into the production of our current watches, enhancing their performance and durability.

0:00
/
0:00

At the forefront of technology

To advance our research efforts, we have assembled top specialists in-house and invested in state-of-the-art equipment. Our engineers also collaborate with leading independent research institutions, including the Centre Suisse d’Électronique et de Microtechnique in Neuchâtel (CSEM) and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), to push the boundaries of innovation.

Innovation is what gets me up in the morning. It demonstrates the imagination of Patek Philippe and opens the door to new ways of thinking.

Thierry Stern, President

The “Advanced Research” collection

Ref. 5250G-001Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Annual Calendar2005
Ref. 5350R-001Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Annual Calendar2006
Ref. 5450P-001Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Annual Calendar2008
Ref. 5550P-001Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Perpetual Calendar2011
Ref. 5650G-001Patek Philippe "Advanced Research" Aquanaut Travel Time2017
Ref. 5750P-001Patek Philippe "Advanced Research" Fortissimo2021

Research on Silicium

Silinvar®, a silicon-based material, brings groundbreaking advantages to watchmaking, including resistance to temperature fluctuations, lightweight properties, no need for lubrication, and non-magnetism. Our engineers have harnessed these properties to significantly enhance the reliability and precision of our movements.

First Silinvar® anchor wheel (2005). Mounted on the Annual Calendar Ref. 5250.
First Silinvar® anchor wheel (2005). Mounted on the Annual Calendar Ref. 5250.
The Spiromax® hairspring in Silinvar® (2006). Introduced on the Annual Calendar Ref. 5350.
The Spiromax® hairspring in Silinvar® (2006). Introduced on the Annual Calendar Ref. 5350.
Pulsomax® escapement in Silinvar® (2008). Launched on the Annual Calendar Ref. 5450.
Pulsomax® escapement in Silinvar® (2008). Launched on the Annual Calendar Ref. 5450.
Oscillomax® regulatory body (2011). Launched on the Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5550.
Oscillomax® regulatory body (2011). Launched on the Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5550.
Optimized Spiromax® hairspring (2017). Introduced on the Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5650.
Optimized Spiromax® hairspring (2017). Introduced on the Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5650.

Research on sound

In 2021, our "Advanced Research" engineers created a groundbreaking, fully mechanical sound amplification system. This innovative system delivers a much higher sound volume than traditional minute repeaters, maintaining exceptional acoustic quality regardless of the case material.

Fortissimo “ff” sound amplification and propagation system.
The dial of Ref. 5750P is distinguished by its central openwork pattern inspired by vintage car rims.
Casing of Ref. 5750P Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Fortissimo.
The density of Ref. 5750P’s platinum mini-rotor allows the thickness of the oscillating mass to be reduced, for the same winding power.

Quality and fine workmanship

The Patek Philippe Sound

In the Stern Family, the passion for chiming watches has been transmitted without interruption for four generations. Discover the Patek Philippe sound.

The Patek Philippe Sound