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 Complications reference 5960A, introduced in stainless steel, represents a significant offering within the brand's annual calendar chronograph series. This particular reference is notable for being the first annual calendar chronograph from Patek Philippe to be offered in a non-precious metal, making it a distinctive piece in the Complications collection. It combines practical complications with a robust case material, appealing to collectors seeking a blend of utility and horological complexity.
This reference features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 QA 24H. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The dial is presented in white, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The integrated stainless steel bracelet complements the case material, providing a cohesive aesthetic.
The 5960A in stainless steel holds a specific position for collectors due to its material choice and the integrated bracelet, differentiating it from its precious metal counterparts. Its combination of an annual calendar and chronograph functions, along with the 24-hour indication, makes it a highly functional and mechanically interesting timepiece. The special hand set and case back decoration mentioned for this specific 5960A further emphasize its unique attributes within the production run.
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
What is it's function and significance? Sorry if this is an ignorant question!
The press conference presentation was presented by Nicolas Boule, the designer of the new movement. The theme was how Patek have managed to combine tradition with innovation. What is clear is that this is a radical new piece from Patek..but more later, for now join me in the presentation a re-engineered cal.240, with a longer 60h power reserve and WR to 30m. classic annual calendar display, first seen in the Annual calendar Gondolo a first for Patek..... stop seconds! classic calatrava style, re
... is far to Bauhaus-like, which is nothing for me. Yes, it is technically great. Yes, it is blue and very discreet in appearance (although still big ;-)). But the design overall: naaaaah ... Regards Moritz
you are the best Thanks for sharing with us! In general I am not a big fan of regulator´s, but in this case ... warm feeling in the stomach ... some beautiful and subtle details (don´t talk about the strange engraving on the buckle) ... some interesting features ... Has to be seen in the metal, soon Oliver ps: Size is very similar to Richard Lange ...
Ceraitnly due to the modular built movement, but I wonder if this one will be comfortable to wear. The 5396 has the same, slight "issue", but in that case it is just acceptable. Wonder how it will be with this one. As you are saying correctly: it is something for the aquired taste. Regrads Moritz
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