Patek Philippe Calatrava “Squelette” Marks 40 Years of Caliber 240
The 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut is not the only milestone that Patek Philippe is celebrating in 2017. The company’s self-winding, micro-rotor Caliber 240 turns 40 in 2017, and variations of it appear in several new models, including the skeletonized version at the heart of the Patek Philippe Calatrava “Squelette” Ref. 5180/1R-001. Here’s a closer look at the watch.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Squelette Ref 5180-1R-001
Patek Philippe first introduced a skeletonized variation of its iconic Calatrava to its regular collection in 2008. The new model, whose movement is designated Caliber 240 SQU (for “squelette” or skeleton) spotlights not only the intricate art of skeletonization but also the painstaking craft of filigree engraving. Caliber 240 SQU’s plates and bridges are pierced to the maximum extent possible to allow the most ideal view of the movement’s inner workings without compromising its functionality. Aesthetic highlights include the opeworked plate directly above the mainspring barrel, which offers a tantalizing glimpse of the coiled mainspring underneath the carefully formed Calatrava cross ? a symbol that has been a Patek Philippe registered trademark for more than 100 years. In all, Patek Philippe says, the skeletonization of each movement requires more than a full week of work. Patek Philippe Caliber 240-SQU, front (above) and back (below)
After the skeletonization come further refinements on the workbench of an ...
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