Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” engineers have broadened the horizon of their repeater fake watches by developing a completely new, fully mechanical sound amplification system. This fortissimo “ff” module consists of a flexibly suspended sound lever and a transparent sapphire crystal oscillating wafer. Compared to conventional minute repeaters and regardless of the case material, it offers clearly amplified sound of excellent acoustic quality. Crowned by four patents, the pioneering technology is presented in the Ref. 5750 “Advanced Research” minute repeater, a special limited edition consisting of 15 platinum cased fake watches featuring a unique dial design.
Founded in 2005, Patek Philippe’s “Advanced Research” department has meanwhile been integrated into the Research and Development division and tasked with conducting high-level research in the fields of new materials, technologies and conceptual foundations aimed at opening up new perspectives in the field of watchmaking.
To achieve these goals, the manufacturer has established unique competencies, summoned its best specialists and provided them with the latest technical resources, including the necessary instruments for computer simulation. Patek Philippe fake “Advanced Research” engineers also collaborate with independent external research facilities such as the Center Suisse d’électronique et de microtechnique de Neuchâtel (CSEM) or the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).
Since 2005, Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” has stood out with pioneering work in the innovative field of Silinvar®, a silicon derivative with phenomenal characteristics for watchmaking applications (temperature compensation, lightweight, lubricant-free, antimagnetic, etc.) . At the same time, the manufacturer presented the first Silinvar® escapement wheel (2005), followed by the Spiromax® balance spring (2006), the Pulsomax® escapement (2008), the Oscillomax® set (2011) and a further optimized version. of the Spiromax® flywheel spring (2017).
Each of these technological leaps was accompanied by the launch of a limited edition wristwatch that was the first to be equipped with the innovative components. Meanwhile, most of the movements in today’s Patek Philippe watch collections are equipped with Spiromax® balance springs made from Silinvar®.
In 2017, in a totally different field of research, Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” developed a compatible mechanism (system with flexible joints) made of conventional watchmaking steel which in Patek Philippe fake watches with two time zones is used to set the second time zone. schedule. This technical innovation was launched in the limited edition watch that also featured the optimized Spiromax® balance spring for the first time.
A sound amplification system with an oscillating sapphire crystal wafer
Today, Patek Philippe’s “Advanced Research” department can represent an important technical milestone in a domain that is related to the excellent manufacturing skills: chiming fake watches, or, more precisely, minute repeaters. When it comes to these grand complications, Patek Philippe offers the largest portfolio of regularly produced models.
Starting from the famous automatic caliber R 27, the movement with which Patek Philippe in 1989 ushered in the great comeback of the minute repeater, Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” engineers and designers sought a way to amplify the volume of time that it hits in a purely mechanical way while retaining the excellent acoustic quality, as well as with the smallest possible dimensions.
After several technical forays in various directions, they decided to preserve the movement design of the base and then on the bridge side (the side facing the wrist) to add a module that works as a mechanical speaker. But unlike normal loudspeakers, sound amplification doesn’t rely on a flexible diaphragm that, like the skin of a drum, is adhered along its periphery. Instead of a membrane, the system for which Patek Philippe filed three patents has an oscillating wafer made of synthetic sapphire with a thickness of 0.2mm.
Thanks to its angular movement, this rigid and free-moving wafer provides a clearly better sound propagation for the reduced volume of a wristwatch. The transparency of the sapphire crystal also preserves the unobstructed view of the movement through the case back. To implement this heavily miniaturized system, the developers had to overcome considerable challenges, both in design and production. Swiss Luxury Fake Watches For Sale
A sound lever with flexible suspension
To achieve sound transmission from the minute repeater gongs to the sapphire crystal oscillating wafer, engineers developed a system with a steel sound lever that is attached in the middle of the oscillating wafer. The other end of this tuning fork-like sound lever features a flexible attachment with a thickness of 0.08mm.
When the hammers hit the gongs, their oscillations are transmitted to the sound lever which amplifies them in the first stage and transmits them to the rigid oscillating wafer where they are further amplified. The angular motion of the oscillating wafer excites the layers of air above
and below the sapphire crystal, producing a noticeably louder sound.
A new type of sound propagation
In parallel with the integration of the fortissimo “ff” amplifier module,
the team also developed an entirely new sound propagation system. In a classic minute repeater, the strikes of the hammers on the gongs create oscillations throughout the clock. The sound spreads from all sides through the case, the back and the glass.
Therefore, the case material has a significant influence on the sound, which is why rose gold is considered the best precious metal for sound propagation,
while platinum, with its highest material density, has the highest acoustic challenge. In the minute repeater with the fortissimo module,
an insulating edge made of a high-tech composite material acoustically decouples the amplifier from the movement.
The sound is directed first to the sound lever and then to the oscillating wafer
and then propagates through four openings at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock in a titanium ring. Sound waves exit through a narrow slot between the case back and the case band. A dust filter protects the movement without affecting the sound. Therefore, the material of the box does not influence the sound and its propagation. It is always of the same quality, regardless of whether the case material is rose, yellow, white or platinum gold.
A clearly louder and totally harmonious sound
The attached fortissimo module on the back of the case allows sound to be heard over six times greater distance. Therefore, a classic minute repeater on the wrist, at a distance of 10 m,
sounds just as loud and clear as an amplified minute repeater at a distance of 60 m. The manufacture also drew on its rich experience in chiming fake watches
to create a reverberating sound that also pleases the ear; this requires considerable dexterity and keen hearing.
Although the sound amplified by the fortissimo module differs slightly from that of other minute repeaters, it offers the harmonic quality
and acoustic richness that underpins the unique reputation of Patek Philippe minute repeaters
and sparks excitement with a long resonant fade relative to the “Attack” (hardness). Additionally, the maximum duration of the time hit (32 hits at 12:59),
which typically lasts 17-18 seconds, has been extended to 20-21 seconds, allowing the gongs to fade a bit longer.
platinum components
In addition to the additional fortissimo module,
the caliber R 27 PS benefits from further technical improvements with regard to materials and design factors. The minute repeater hammers, originally in steel, were replaced by platinum hammers, a patented solution
that in this specific case improves the striking quality in accordance with the Patek Philippe Hallmark guidelines and produces a softer strike without reducing its loudness. . .
A mini-rotor in platinum replaces the eccentrically recessed mini-rotor in 22-carat gold;
thanks to the higher density of the material, it offers the same charging power with a slimmer design. With it, the thickness of the fortissimo module can be at least partially compensated.
A limited edition of 15 watches
To introduce the exclusive sound amplification and propagation system,
Patek Philippe is launching a special limited edition of the watch, as was previously the case with “Advanced Research” innovations. The Patek Philippe Ref. 5750P “Advanced Research” minute repeater comes in an elegant case with a slightly domed bezel. It is inspired by the Ref. 5178 minute repeater with cathedral gongs, it has the same diameter of 40 mm. However, at 11.1mm tall, it is 0.57mm thicker. To demonstrate the efficiency of the fortissimo system, the manufacturer opted for the material
that presents the greatest acoustic challenges: platinum 950. perfect replica watches
At its center, the elaborately constructed five-part dial features an openwork motif inspired by the spoked wheels of vintage automobiles. Stand out against the black background with meandering spiral lines. The secondary seconds hand at 6 o’clock consists of a rotating disk
with the same openwork motif on a black snail background and a small pen that acts as a hand, a moving element that creates a unique dynamic effect.
Time is indicated by flat white gold Dauphine hands and blackened white gold applied comet hour markers.
The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the hammers and classic gongs of the minute repeater,
as well as the tuning fork-shaped tone lever bearing the transparent oscillating wafer of the fortissimo amplifier system. An openwork Calatrava cross decorates the cover of the centrifugal governor that ensures the regular rhythm of the times.
The spectacular panorama also shows the Gyromax® balance spring in Silinvar® launched in 2006 by Patek Philippe “Advanced Research”,
as well as the large bridge with Geneva lines and carefully chamfered and polished edges. The platinum mini-rotor sports a dial-style lightning pattern; was created with a laser-based
light-absorbing surface texturing technique that allows certain segments to appear black. This special limited edition is worn on a bright orange alligator strap with black contrast stitching and a platinum folding clasp.
With its exclusive fortissimo “ff” system for sound amplification and propagation,
Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” presents an innovation that will seduce all enthusiasts of minute repeaters and technical debuts. It opens up entirely new horizons for clocks that chime.
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