Patek Philippe launches a futuristic minute repeater, born of research by the 'Advanced Research' department. The novelty lies in the implementation of a sound amplification system, entirely mechanical of course. While preserving the architecture of the basic movement, the famous R 27 automatic calibre with which the Maison signalled the great return of minute repeaters in 1989, the Manufacture's engineers and builders have added a module christened "ff" on the bridges side of the movement (i.e. the one in contact with the wrist) that acts as a "mechanical loudspeaker". The sound is amplified by a 0.2 mm-thick vibrating disc of synthetic sapphire crystal which, by vibrating together with the repeater gongs, compresses and dilates the small volume of air inside the case (just 0.2 mm separates the disc from the sapphire back) and acts like the membrane of a loudspeaker. The result is a louder sound, which is easily propagated outside the case thanks to gaps between it and the case back. The latter is fitted with a dust filter to protect the movement and the membrane, as small grains of dust could compromise its operation. This technical advancement, crowned by four patents, is present in the Ref. 5750 Patek Philippe "Advanced Research" minute repeater watch, a limited edition of 15 pieces that features a platinum case inspired by that of Ref. 5178, a minute repeater with "cathedral" gongs, only 0.57 mm thicker for an unchanged diameter of 40 mm. The five-part dial features an openwork central motif inspired by vintage car circles, as does the small seconds disc at 6 o'clock. The flat white gold "dauphine" hands point at the applied "kite" markers in burnished white gold. The strap is in shiny orange alligator with contrasting black stitching and a platinum folding clasp.
