With a manufacturer that strives to only offer the best timepieces in the market, innovation is often the key element that drives the momentum. In 2005, Patek Philippe introduced the Advanced Research department to develop new innovations to improve precision and reliability of a mechanical wristwatch through the experimentation of new materials and micromechanics.

In the same year of the introduction of Advanced Research, Patek Philippe released its very Advance Research first timepiece: reference 5250 Annual Calendar, which was fitted with a newly innovated Silinvar escape wheel that was developed by CSEM (a micro-engineering laboratory based in Neuchâtel) and funded by Patek Philippe, Rolex and the Swatch Group. Subsequently, three more references were released, each with a newly developed escapement component, refs. 5350, 5450 and 5550.

The last Advanced Research timepiece from the series, the ref. 5550 was released at the 2011 Baselworld. After the hairspring, escapement wheel and anchor introduced in the previous three Advanced Research models, the present reference completed the ensemble with a silicon balance wheel. Rendered in silicon, the components do not require any oiling. While the previous three references are all annual calendar wristwatches, the “triple 5” is a step up with a perpetual calendar complication. Released as a limited edition of 300 pieces, it is certainly a rare, technically impressive and highly collectible piece.