the literature/catelog that accompanied the watch refers to 5711/1A the stainless steel version which has a calibre 315 SC and frequency of 3Hz ,21600 semi-oscillations/hour . But the 5711G uses the 324 SC with a frequency of 4Hz, 28800 semi-oscillations/hour . I suspect the literature for the 5711G may not be ready and what came with the watch was the old booklet which covers only the stainless steel series leading to the confusion. Now the question is .......why do PP use a different calibre 324 for the new gold 5711 instead of continuing with 315 ? Higher frequency for higher rate accuracy ? What led to the decision in calibre change to essentially the same watch ? Hope someone can provide the answers .
George
Unlike most Patek Philippe movements, the caliber 324 is one of the few with a balance wheel that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The high frequency contributes to accuracy, but it requires extra power. This need challenged Patek Philippe’s designers, who work under strict guidelines (internally known as Formula A) that limit the thickness of the movements and therefore the power the mainsprings can generate. Musy and his team altered the profile of the caliber 324’s gear teeth with a configuration that reduces friction.
The new design also enhanced the consistency with which Patek produces the movement. “There is always a slight variation in tolerances from one piece to the next, which can change the way the pinions and wheels line up,” says Musy. “The new teeth compensate for this difference, which is slight because we stamp our parts. At companies that rely completely on CNC [computer numerical control] machinery to mill them instead, the problem can be worse because that method is less precise.”
These varying production methods distinguish the larger, established movement makers, which tend to use the expensive and precise stamping process, from the newly sprung boutique manufactures that have capitalized on the more accessible automated CNC milling method. Producing large quantities of accurate movements on the scale of Rolex or ETA requires a huge investment in stamping machinery and machine tool expertise—something that many horological connoisseurs fail to appreciate.
Precision Guidance Systems
James D. Malcolmson
11/01/2006
to employ a different calibre on essentially the same watch ( different metals ) needs explaination and rationalisation. Calibre 324 has higher frequency 4Hz and 28,800 vibrations/hour leading to
better accuracy but its movement is thicker 3.33mm compared to 3.22mm for calibre 315 and uses more power (45hr power reserve compared to 48hr for calibre 315 ). All these probably wont make
any difference to the wearer and the fact that the nautilus is an iconic watch whatever the metal / calibre .
George