At Patek Philippe in the early 2000s, they created their Advanced Research project with the intent to find new ways to make timekeeping more precise and improving long-term functional integrity. Working with the CSEM research lab and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, researchers looked for new ways to bring horology into the 21st century. This new collaboration looked at “new materials”, “new manufacturing technologies” and a “new conceptual fundamental”. Out of this came Silinvar®, a patented mono-crystal silicon. This material was unaffected by temperature change and was very lightweight, and required no lubrication and was corrosion resistant. Patek Philippe’s first watch to use this new material was the reference 5250 Annual Calendar Advanced Research with Silinvar® escape wheel.

Today, Patek Philippe continues its research into new concepts, technologies and materials, with the reference 5650G having “two important innovations in the field of horology”. This highly attractive Aquanaut features a Spiromax® balance spring made of Silinvar® with inner terminal curve, and a flexible mechanism for the setting of the second time zone, which is visible on the dial. Using buttons in the band, the time zone can be adjusted forward or backwards to the appropriate time.

Produced in a limited edition of 500 timepieces, the watch is from the original owner and in like new condition and comes with its original certificate of origin. This is the first time a reference 5650G has appeared at public auction.