The latest concept watch from Patek Philippe’s Advanced Research division boasts advances to the escapement and the activation of complications
By James Gurney

Patek Philippe didn?t grab the headlines at Baselworld this year, which, to me at least, was a relief. The reason is very simple: I much prefer Patek Philippe when it keeps things a little conservative. This, after all, is the brand that prefers not to show tourbillons through the dial for fear that the light let in will unnecessarily degrade the lubricants.
The aviator watch (the 5524 Pilot?s Travel Time) might well be a rip-roaring success with waiting lists long enough that it actually will be the next generation that owns the watch, but Patek is better when it disdains such things. That, however, doesn?t mean Patek shouldn?t innovate or embrace the avant-garde ? the 5960-1/A-010, also shown at Basel this year, managed
to be both absolutely contemporary and completely within the tradition.

If the design wasn?t headline it allowed the focus to concentrate on what makes Patek truly exceptional: the sheer quality of execution that goes into the watches (and even the Aviator watch was beautifully done and that doesn?t happen by accident).
Allied to that quality of execution Patek Philippe does quality of conception, which is where the Advanced Research department comes into play. It?s easy to find brands that look more innovative than Patek in terms of watchmaking technology, but that?s because the ...