(Information here is provided for
entertainment and educational purposes only. This is a copy of the
official 2004 press release by Patek Philippe. Minimal corrections were
edited with the addition of Rose Gold & Platinum models in 2006. All
copyrights, logos and trademarks are owned by Patek Philippe.)
The greatest innovations in the art of horology are typically
accomplished in near-microscopic mechanisms. The goal is not just to
miniaturize functions or unite complications. Our engineers and
watchmakers invest countless hours optimizing existing components,
mechanisms, machining methods, technologies, and materials. This vast
amount of work rarely earns the recognition it deserves, as it is
overshadowed by more spectacular innovations.
For this reason, Patek Philippe is showcasing a number of smaller-scale
refinements at this year's Basel show. These advancements make the
development of new masterpieces possible, such as the Star Caliber 2000,
Sky Moon Tourbillon and 10-Day Tourbillon. The master watchmaker's true
passion comes to the fore in these microcosms that require infinite
patience and degrees of accuracy hardly imaginable. This devotion to
detail demonstrates the enormous innovative potential still untapped in
traditional horology, even if the results can only be seen through a
magnifying glass or microscope.
A new face and a new heart: Patek Philippe
Annual Calendar Ref. 5135 with the new caliber 324 movement in a tonneau
case.
The new Patek Philippe Ref. 5135 Gondolo Calendario, with an Annual
Calendar and a moon-phase display is an example of how our engineers and
watchmakers continue to evolve technology in a step-by-step fashion. The
patented Annual Calendar function, a proprietary Patek Philippe
development, was introduced in 1996 in the first wristwatch that
automatically advances the month, day and date, and only requires a
manual correction once a year on March 1. In fact, the Patek Philippe
Annual Calendar was voted "Watch of the Year" shortly after its
introduction. Connoisseurs were particularly delighted that the Annual
Calendar mechanism is based chiefly on wheels and pinions and requires
virtually no levers. This holds true with Ref. 5135, but this watch also
features numerous modifications that attest to the possibility of
continued advancement.
Ref. 5135 Gondolo Calendario, showcases several technical innovations
related to the indications: It is the first Patek Philippe watch that
displays the date, day and month in three apertures arranged on an arc
between 10 and 2 o'clock. The subsidiary dial at 6 o'clock has a 24-hour
scale and a moon-phase display. The tonneau-shaped case underscores the
ongoing popularity of the Art Deco style.
A new caliber with numerous refinements
The face of this watch conceals its most significant innovations: The
caliber 324 self-winding mechanical movement ticks at a frequency of 4
Hertz (equivalent to 28,800 vibrations per hour). This achieves a
greater degree of accuracy because it generates a more constant balance
amplitude than 21,600 oscillations per hour.
Because an increase of frequency reduces the power reserve, Patek
Philippe engineers decided to boost the efficiency of the self-winding
system. The 21K gold rotor was enlarged by 0.1 mm in radius and by 0.08
mm in thickness, with the additional mass providing extra winding
energy.
The next-generation Gyromax balance wheel
A further enhancement involved the legendary Gyromax balance wheel for
which Patek Philippe was granted patents in 1948 and 1951. The legacy
two-spoke construction with eight movable poising weights (masselots)
has been replaced with a four-spoke balance wheel with four masselots.
The new design improves the torsional rigidity in the plane of rotation,
and the smaller number of masselots facilitates poising without any
tradeoff in regulating precision. In addition, the poising weights were
recessed into the balance wheel rim to improve the wheel's overall
aerodynamic behavior.
Advances in wheel toothing geometry
A closer look at the microcosm of this movement reveals that the wheels
in the caliber 324 movement have a new toothing profile. This assures
constant force transmission for different wheel mesh depths, a
circumstance that positively impacts the amplitude of the balance and
the rate accuracy of the watch.
The caliber 324 movement stands out with further technical modifications
such as the bipartite minute train bridge; the asymmetric date train; an
extra-thick, reinforced winding wheel, and optimized, minimum-friction
pivots for the wheel arbors. Ongoing refinements like these further
improve the precision, reliability and longevity of Patek Philippe
timepieces.
Living up to the Geneva Seal
The new Patek Philippe caliber 324 is meticulously finished to meet the
specifications of the coveted Geneva Seal, the hallmark of quality for
mechanical timepieces. Every steel part is carefully beveled and has
smoothed surfaces, polished angles, and burnished flanks. The wheels
have polished recesses and spokes that are angled on both sides. The
entire movement is breathtakingly beautiful: along with the enlarged,
high-rigidity Gyromax balance wheel, it features bridges intricately
decorated with Geneva striping and a 21K gold rotor embellished with
circular graining and a Calatrava cross. A sapphire-crystal back allows
this new masterpiece to be readily admired.
A superbly balanced tonneau case
Ref. 5135 Gondolo Calendario is a double chef d'oeuvre: Its inner life
is as captivating as its outward appearance is seductive. The
construction of the distinctive case is highly unusual. The case has a
striking tonneau silhouette that extends, elegantly curved, to the strap
lugs, while the bezel is pillow-shaped. Thus, Ref. 5135 is a homage to
the Patek Philippe tradition in form watches and to the Art Deco period
in which the tonneau, or barrel, case first emerged. The case of the new
watch is crafted from 18K yellow or white gold and has a screwed
sapphire-crystal back that guarantees water resistance to 25 meters. It
is worn with a hand-stitched alligator strap with a buckle in 18K yellow
or white gold to match the case.
The yellow gold model has a silvery opaline dial, while the dial of the
white gold model is silvery or slate gray. Contrasting surface finishes
create a two-tone effect that can be discreet or eye-catching, depending
on the light. The center of the dial inside the minute scale with the
circular guilloché pattern appears slightly recessed, while the outer
zone has a satinized sunburst pattern. Hours are indicated with Breguet-style
numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock and with applied yellow or white gold arrow
hour markers. Matching gold dauphine hands specify the hours and
minutes; a small gold feuille hand indicates the hours on the 24-hour
dial. This subsidiary dial also incorporates the remarkably accurate
moon phase display. It deviates from the true lunar orbit by only one
day in 122 years. The calendar displays have been modified: The date is
now indicated in a gold-framed aperture at 12 o'clock. Small apertures
between 10 and 11 o'clock and 1 and 2 o'clock show the day of the week
and the month.
Patek Philippe's Ref. 5135 Gondolo Calendario, is a new interpretation
of the Annual Calendar that blends the best of tradition with striking
innovation. With its attractive shape, useful complication and
sophisticated horological technology, it has all the assets that make a
genuine classic.
For further information, please contact:
Mrs. Jasmina Steele
International Public Relations Director
PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVA
P.O. Box 2654
1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Tel.: +41 22 884 20 20
Fax: +41 22 884 25 47
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Technical specifications: Patek Philippe Ref. 5135 J/G Gondolo Calendario |
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| Movement : | New caliber 324 S QA LU 24H Self-winding mechanical movement, Annual Calendar with three apertures, moon phase, and 24-hour display |
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| Diameter : | 31.4 mm | |
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| Height : | 5.78 mm | |
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| Number of parts : | 356 | |
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| Number of jewels : | 34 | |
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| Power reserve : | 45 hours | |
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| Winding rotor : | Central rotor in 21K gold, unidirectional winding | |
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| Balance : | Gyromax | |
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| Frequency : | 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz) | |
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| Balance spring : | Flat | |
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| Functions : | Winding crown with two positions: - pulled out to set the time - pushed in to wind the watch |
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| Displays : | Hours, minutes, seconds subsidiary dial
for: - moon phases - 24-hour display Apertures: Date at 12 o'clock, day of week between 10 and 11 o'clock, month between 1 and 2 o'clock |
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| Corrector buttons : | - at 10 o'clock: day-of-week correction - at 2 o'clock: month correction - at 4 o'clock: date and month correction - at 8 o'clock: moon-phase correction |
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| Hallmark : | Geneva Seal | |
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| Features | ||
| Case : | Tonneau 18K yellow, white or
rose gold & platinum. Interchangeable sapphire-crystal back and water-resistant screw-down crown Water resistant to 25 meters |
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| Case dimensions : | Length: 51 mm Width: 40.33 mm Height: 11.70 mm Width between lugs: 21 mm |
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| Dial : | Silvery opaline for the yellow gold model Silvery gray or slate gray for the WG & Platinum models Silvery opaline for the rose gold model Recessed center, sunburst periphery. Two Breguet-style Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock or two diamnods for Platinum model at 3 and 9 o'clock Applied arrow markers in 18K YG, WG , RG & Platinum. Dauphine hands in 18K YG, RG & WG. Recessed 24hr. dial w. feuille hands in 18K YG, RG & WG |
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| Strap : | Hand-stitched alligator with 16-mm buckle in 18K yellow, white, rose gold or platinum | |
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