Patek Philippe announced the GyromaxSi balance in gold and Silinvar, the new Silinvar components increase power from 48 to 70 hours. The construction consists of diagonally opposed circular sectors that are made from 24 carat gold and Silinvar. The Silinvar componenet is made from silicon wafers that use the DRIE or deep reactive etching process that is then oxidated. Gold inlays are integrated into the centrifugal masses with a patented Patek Philippe technique. The balance features four small slotted poising weights that are adjusted according to the Gyromax principle which is the variable moment of inertia. This concept was developed by the brand in the 1940's and was patented in 1951; advanced technology has created this successor.
With an unusual hourglass shape, the GyromaxSi balance has several precisely defined properties that include as much inertia and light weight as possible. Conventional designs of balance are created with a full-circle rim held in by spikes shifting the balance wheels mass to the outside reducing its weight. But this design creates friction and losses must then also be minimized in the bearing jewels. The Silinvar structure carries the centrifugal masses at its periphery and the use of 24 carat gold in the balance wheel rim creates a density that is 2.5 times greater than traditional materials and allows for a reduction in volume. Patek's design reduces the mass by nearly two thirds.
Another exciting development at BaselWorld is their 41mm perpetual calendar chronograph done in an 18 carat gold case. This timepiece features interchangeable case backs, one is solid and can be personalized with an engraving of a special event and the other is done in the exhibition style with a sapphire crystal showing its complex movement and elegant finishing. The Ref. 5270 is fitted with a column wheel chronograph movement with the day and month in a double window at 12 o'clock.
There are three sub-dials; the one at 6 o'clock indicates the date around the moon phase. The 30 minute counter is at 3 o'clock and the small seconds counter can be found at 9 o'clock. Leap year is displayed at four thirty and the day/night window is at seven thirty. Movement is hand-wound, CH 29-535 PS Q Calibre. It is water-resistant to 30 meters or 3 ATM. The dial is done in beautiful silver opaline with black oxidized white gold hour markers and hands. The strap is made from matte black and is hand-stitched, square-scale alligator leather with an 18 carat white gold folding clasp. This timepiece is pure opulence and style that any man would enjoy wearing.
