Patek Philippe has unveiled a remarkable collection of timepieces at its prestigious Grand Exhibition in Tokyo. Among the standout releases is a 42 mm platinum watch with a stunning salmon dial. This extraordinary timepiece combines a minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph, and instantaneous calendar, making it a true masterpiece. Inspired by the esteemed Reference 5208 triple complication model introduced in 2011, this watch incorporates remarkable advancements.
One of the notable challenges in developing this watch was incorporating the split-seconds feature into the intricate R CHR 27 PS QI caliber movement, which consists of 799 parts. To overcome this hurdle, the movement has been equipped with an increased barrel torque and a platinum mini-rotor, enhancing the winding power. To ensure flawless functionality, Patek Philippe has introduced innovative technologies, including a backlash-compensating wheel that eliminates chronograph friction at the clutch, as well as an isolation system that minimizes energy consumption when the split-seconds function is stopped. Control over the split-seconds feature is conveniently located at 4 o’clock, operated by its own pusher.
While emphasizing its traditional dress watch identity, this timepiece also boasts impressive complications. The minute repeater showcases two traditional gongs, and the mono pusher chronograph includes a classic 60-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. The instantaneous perpetual calendar features discs that smoothly transition in a mere 30 milliseconds, displaying the day, date, and month in apertures positioned between 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock at the top of the dial. The moon phase display and a seconds counter are elegantly placed at 6 o’clock.
Despite its dress watch pedigree, this ultra-high-end timepiece maintains a touch of sportiness. The split-seconds chronograph function is further accentuated by charcoal-gray white-gold-applied hour markers, offering a contemporary and relaxed contrast against the dressy rose-gilt opaline salmon dial. Limited to just 15 pieces, each watch comes with two interchangeable casebacks: one featuring the inscription “Patek Philippe Tokyo” on the sapphire crystal, and another crafted from solid platinum bearing the same text.