The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Glossary

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Glossary
Balance spring or hairspring

Balance spring or hairspring

The balance spring, often referred to as the hairspring, is an essential part of a mechanical watch movement that contributes to its timekeeping precision. This delicate, coiled metal spring is connected to the balance wheel, which oscillates within the watch's movement.

The hairspring, or balance spring, is usually made of metal alloys like Nivarox, which consists of iron, nickel, chromium, titanium, and other elements. Nivarox is popular due to its resistance to temperature variations, magnetic fields, and corrosion. Some watch manufacturers have also developed silicon hairsprings for their high-end models, offering improved resistance to temperature changes, magnetic fields, and wear.

The main role of the balance spring is to supply a counterbalancing force that keeps the balance wheel oscillating at a steady pace. The balance wheel's back-and-forth motion causes the balance spring to expand and contract, enabling the wheel to sustain a stable oscillation. The accuracy of the watch's timekeeping depends on the balance spring's precise and consistent performance.