Cover Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308G-001
Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308G-001
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We break down the latest grand complication watch from Patek Philippe
The Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308 wristwatch—endowed with a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar—was first introduced as a limited edition in 2023. This year, the reference joins Patek Philippe’s regular Grand Complications lineup, debuting with a 42mm white gold case, skeletonised lugs, and ice-blue sunburst dial. Why is this significant? Because it’s still rare to find an ultra-complicated wristwatch with an automatic movement—and even rarer to find one that is not a one-off.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5308 evolved from the Triple Complication Ref. 5307 featuring a minute repeater, a monopusher chronograph, and a perpetual calendar with aperture displays. A split-seconds chronograph, considered one of the most difficult complications to produce, has been added to Ref. 5308.
Read more: Patek Philippe unveils the all-new Cubitus collection
Above Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308G-001 in white gold
Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308G-001 in white gold
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Two groundbreaking innovations for the split-seconds
The split-seconds chronograph runs smoothly and reliably, thanks to two clever innovations, both of which are patented. The first replaces the traditional gear system of a toothed clutch wheel with a new design of backlash-compensation wheel with long slotted teeth. Each is endowed with a spring thinner than a human hair, and they grip the teeth of the chronograph wheel to ensure the sweep seconds hand moves with any jitter.
The second innovation is an isolator mechanism that prevents the split-seconds hand from interfering with the rest of the movement. When activated, it lifts the lever to keep the timing parts separate, ensuring that stopping the split-seconds hand doesn’t affect the watch’s accuracy.
The pusher at 2 o’clock is a monopusher, which starts, stops and resets the chronograph; the one at 4 o’clock activates the split-seconds hand.
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Above The open caseback reveals components of the new calibre R CHR 27 PS QI, which is equipped with an innovative split-seconds chronograph system
The open caseback reveals components of the new calibre R CHR 27 PS QI, which is equipped with an innovative split-seconds chronograph system
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A calendar with aperture indicators
The perpetual calendar features the day, date, month, and leap year that jump precisely and simultaneously in just 30 miliseconds at the turn of midnight. It benefits from two patented mechanisms that previously appeared in other Patek Philippe watches.
One of them is a redesigned lever comprising 15 parts that enables a smooth operation of the instantaneous calendar jumps. The other is a system with two jumper springs that provides constant force to advance the date disc every month, regardless of its duration.
Add to the fact that it is uncommon to find a perpetual calendar that displays information through small windows, and you have a timepiece that truly embodies the spirit of haute horlogerie.
Read more: Panerai Luminor Perpetual Calendar GMT in precious Platinumtech
Above The day, date and month are indicated via small windows at the top of the dial
The day, date and month are indicated via small windows at the top of the dial
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A classic minute repeater
The minute repeater is said to emit the “Patek Philippe sound”, an audio quality that requires the personal approval of Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern before the watch is delivered to the owner. It chimes on two gongs, activated by a slider set into the caseband at 9 o’clock.
The mechanical feat extends to the minituarisation of the movement components (a total of 799) without compromising performance—for instance, the timepiece boasts Patek Philippe’s standard accuracy rate of -1 to +2 seconds per day (the COSC standard is higher at -4 to +6 seconds). The power reserve is equally impressive, up to a maximum of 48 hours with an inactive chronograph.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
