Timeless masterpiece
Patek Philippe’s Calibre 240 automatic movement celebrates its 40th anniversary.
THE Patek Philippe Calibre 240 was unveiled 40 years ago. Since then, it has gone on to write history – first by powering the iconic Golden Ellipse wristwatch, then laying the foundation for an entire family of ultra-thin timepieces.
While the self-winding Calibre 240 has been optimised in many respects, it still retains its original DNA. It beats with a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour, but now with a balance spring that achieves better accuracy.
The tooth profiles of the going train were further optimised as well. This works in reducing wear, improving accuracy, increasing the power reserve and boosting long-term reliability.
Paying tribute to the Calibre 240’s anniversary, Patek Philippe presented several new self-winding watches at Baselworld this year. Each emphasises the versatility of the movement, as well as amazing craftsmanship.
Just consider the Calatrava watches. One of the models (Ref. 6006) is presented with an offset subsidiary seconds dial and analog date in a new white-gold version with a 2mm larger diameter.
The Calatrava high jewellery watch (Ref. 4899/900) features a feather motif on mother of pearl. It sports diamonds and pink sapphires on the case and buckle as well as a snow setting on the dial.
There is also the hand-engraved Calatrava skeleton watch (Ref. 5180/1) in rose-gold. For the first time, the winding rotor is decorated with the logo of the Patek Philippe seal.
Other new Patek Philippe timepieces powered by the Calibre 240 includes a perpetual calendar and world timer. These come in separate, equally gorgeous models for both men and women.