Patek Philippe

A few have mentioned this is not a common movement.  I gather (perhaps wrongly) that Patek is better known/prefers the sub second movement and the center second movement represents a modification of sorts to existing movements. Or is this an issue of tradition and mechanically it means little in the design of a watch?

What is the change necessary in movement design of center vs sub seconds?

Is the 27 SC just a variation of a previous movement, if so what is the other movement's number?

If the 27 SC is considered "scarce" what is the reason for this?  Just because they didn't want to make that many of them or because the design was considered lacking in some way?  Or?

Are there any major weaknesses to this movement?

What is the expected power reserve of a full wind?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks
John

Hi John,

I don't think PP prefers sub-second over center-second movements, they offer both. The 27 SC is somewhat special because it has directly drive sub-seconds. The fourth wheel is placed in the middle of the movement with the seconds hand axle attached to it, this way they don't need to use an additional wheel train from the fourth wheel to the center. A disadvantage is that the second (center) wheel is also located in the middle (drives the minute hand) and thus the movement becomes somehat thick. My guess is that that is also the reason they don't make them anymore.

Regards,
Joram

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