DESCRIPTION
Established in 2005, Patek Philippe’s Advanced Research department was founded to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking through pioneering use of new materials, patents, and micro-engineering techniques. That same year, the manufacture unveiled its first creation under this initiative, the Ref. 5250 Annual Calendar, limited to 100 pieces and featuring the revolutionary Silinvar escape wheel — two-thirds lighter than its traditional counterpart, improving efficiency and precision in timekeeping.
By 2008, Patek Philippe introduced the culmination of its early silicon innovation: the Ref. 5450P-001 Annual Calendar, limited to 300 pieces in platinum. Distinguished by its elegant salmon dial, the watch featured a Gyromax balance with Spiromax hairspring and the newly developed Pulsomax escapement, integrating an updated silicon escape wheel and pallet lever — all visible through a sapphire crystal caseback with a built-in magnifying glass. Marking the first Advanced Research model in platinum, it was also the final Annual Calendar in the series and the last to bear the Geneva Seal before the transition to the in-house Patek Philippe Quality Seal in 2009.
![[5231J-001] Patek Philippe](/web/image/product.template/182/image_1024/%5B5231J-001%5D%20Patek%20Philippe?unique=db6c0c1)
![[5330G-010] Patek Philippe](/web/image/product.template/184/image_1024/%5B5330G-010%5D%20Patek%20Philippe?unique=db6c0c1)