Complications
Miranda's 2011 post introduces the Patek Philippe Ref. 5235, a timepiece that marked several significant 'firsts' for the esteemed manufacture. This article delves into why this particular reference, with its innovative movement and regulator display, remains a pivotal point of discussion for collectors, showcasing Patek Philippe's blend of tradition and cutting-edge horology.
On the 22nd.June, 2011 Patek officially launched their new ref.5235. The new reference breaks new ground, and is a catalogue of firsts for the company. The first , first 
is the fact that it is the companies debut wristwatch regulator. Indeed, for collectors this is an absolute dream come true, and we could say that this is truely a new chapter not only for Patek Philippe but in the manufacture of regulators...it is to my knowledge, a world debut of a regulator with annual calendar. 
The hours , minute and seconds display is of the classic regulator style, with the hours displayed in a subsiduary dial at 12, the minutes along the outer chapter of the dial and the seconds in subsiduary dial at six. The annual calendar is displayed as per the 5960, with the exception that the date is at 6 o'clock. In order for this happen, Patek took the cal.240 movement and extensively reworked it, as the the seconds is normally at 5 o'clock. the movement, the cal. 31-260 REG QA, is of course another first...but in its construction boasts numerous firsts! 
What makes this movement unique, is that it was designed from the outset to incorporate all of the advanced research technologies (with the exception of the Oscillomax), in a standard production wristwatch.
It features ofcourse the Spiromax balance and Pulsomax escapement all made in Silinvar. These are not the only firsts, the new movement features a new going train, as Patek state "tooth by tooth"
Patek completely redesigned the going train, the wheels and pinions between the mainspring barrel and the escape wheel. The shapes of the wheel teeth and the leaves of the pinions were piece by piece redesigned for the center wheel, the third wheel, and the fourth wheel with their respective pinions. The radical new profiles improve the meshing of wheel teeth and pinion leaves, hence reducing friction, whilst increasing the tolerance range for varying axis distances, and boost the efficiency of energy transmission from the spring barrel to the escape wheel. What Patek have achieved with this feat of engineering, is to have constructed a movement with palpable improvement of energy conversion efficiency whilst simultaneously reducing wear.
All of these improvements and redisgn have had other beneficial outcomes, for instance while the caliber 240 beats at a rate of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour, the frequency of the new movement has increased to 23,040 vph, equivalent to 3.2 Hz. Another consequence has been an improvement in the power reserve.
The increase in frequency, allows the new regulator to be adjusted to within - 3/+2 seconds per 24 hours, in the true regulatlor chronometre style. The new Patek seal also requires such accuracy as part of its standards of conformity.
Now to the watch itself, the case is familiar to all Patek lovers. It is a larger version of the classic 3448/3450 Perpetual Calendar of the 60's thru to the 80's. the new size is a very modern, 40.5mm. (depth 11mm). The thin bezel and large dial, actually give it a much larger appearance than the size suggests. Infact next to my 5276, it looked huge.
The dial has Patek Philippe engraved just like the vintage pieces, I just loved this. I hope so much it will be carried to all watches.
The sides of the case are brush finished with straight graining. The buckle is engraved with Patek Philippe.
The dial has a nice two tone effect depending on the light, changing from a silvery colour to a dark greyish depending how you look at it.
And finally, incredibly, this is Patek's first stop second wristwatch! I know, I could not believe it my self, but here you go...better late than never I guess!
The Patek Philippe reference 5235 Annual Calendar Regulator introduced a distinctive display format to the brand's annual calendar complication. This model features a regulator-style dial, separating the hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct subdials. The central hand indicates minutes, while the hours are displayed in a subdial at 12 o'clock and the running seconds in a subdial at 6 o'clock. This layout provides a clear, uncluttered presentation of time and calendar information, distinguishing it from other annual calendar offerings.
The watch is housed in an 18k white gold case measuring 40.5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness. It is powered by the self-winding caliber 31-260 REG QA, a movement specifically developed for this regulator display. This movement provides a power reserve ranging from 38 to 48 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on both the front and an exhibition case back, offering a view of the movement. It is water resistant to 30 meters.
First appearing in 2011, the 5235 appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe annual calendar with a unique aesthetic. The regulator display, while historically rooted, offers a contemporary interpretation within the brand's complicated watch lineup. Its production run has seen it offered primarily in this white gold configuration, making it a consistent and recognizable piece for those who appreciate its specific technical and design characteristics.
So, I guess this watch is not for me... In fact, I have regrets, here: I would have dreamt to have a stop second PP watch for some chronometric purposes, with a simple, sober, understated look, ala PP Amagnetic from the end of the Fifties... Without Date... That would have been another cool nightmare for me! Best, Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-06-23 11:16:06
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What is it's function and significance? Sorry if this is an ignorant question!
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...when you adjust the time?
... by reversing just a tiny bit the minute hand. The second hand, then, stops or even goes backward a little so you can adjust the second. I forgot where, but I have read that it does not do any harm to the movement. So, practically, non-hacking of PP movements doesn't bother me. Non-hacking tourbillon movement is another story (PP or not), though Ken.
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