Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe Chronographs- 

We all know how incredibly rare and valuable Patek chronograph's are. Today vintage pieces are revered at auction with some fethching millions of dollars.

Here we try to see the vintage inspiration for the modern production.

 

And the world's thinnest split second with the 

Based on the historical important 1923 model above 

Ironically when the simple chronograph was reintroduced in the 1990's it was not in the iconic chronograph cases but in a 42 mm rendition of another classic reference, the ref 2552

This amalgamation gave us on of the most enigmatic modern Patek reference: the inimitable ref 5070

The only downfall is that my favourite the 5070p is well and truly beyond reach now

To follow this masterpiece it too a brand new movement with many patents

The new CH 29-535 PS chronograph caliber is a classic manually wound chronograph movement with a column wheel and a horizontal clutch. The main aim for Patek Philippe was to create one of the most beautiful chronograph and technically proficient calibers ever made. 

The development of the CH 29-535 PS movement took more than five years spawning six new patents. As with all high end classical chronographs the CH 29-535 PS caliber is controlled by a column wheel  that in the traditional aesthetic of Patek chronograph movement rotates beneath a polished cap. The cap however is not just purely for aesthetic reasons, it also firmly secures the chronograph levers in their positions – even in the event of sharp jolts – so it enhances functional reliability. The movement features an instantaneously jumping 30-minute counter, a frequency of 4 hertz (28,800 semi-oscillations/hour) and a continued power reserve of 65 hours approximately 58 hours when the chronograph is running). 

Technical audacity exemplified by six patents 

The new calibre rises to the top in technical prowess as demonstrated by six patented innovations:

1. Optimized tooth profile Suppression of hand bounce or rebound when starting. Vibration-free chronograph hand movement. Improved efficiency and reduction of mechanical wear.

2. Precision adjustment of wheel mesh at the column wheel The large eccentric polished column wheel cap allows the very precise adjustment of mesh depth of the chronograph wheels at the outer end of the clutch lever.

3. Optimized synchronization of the clutch and brake levers

The clutch lever and the brake lever are directly synchronized with a finger at the clutch lever. The complicated involvement of the column wheel is not necessary.

4. Slotted minute-counter cam Thanks to a slot in the minute-counter cam, the chronograph counter can gently come to a standstill when reset.

5. Self-setting hammers- Self-setting return to zero hammers improve functional reliability and dependability.

6. Hammers pivoted between jewel bearings .The two hammers that reset the chronograph hand and the minute counter are independently and coaxially suspended between jewel bearings. Each hammer is pressed against its respective heart cam with its own spring. This system optimizes the precise alignment of the hammers and the kinetics of the mechanism.

The technical advantage is further enhanced with a number of additional features that improve reliability and performance. The instantaneous 30-minute counter is much more complicated than a semi-instantaneous or continuous counter. Its elaborate construction assures that the small hand jumps within a fraction of a second, enhancing precision and legibility. The driving wheel of the chronograph is another example: it is directly integrated in the wheel train and does not need to be subsequently assembled by the watchmaker.