Article of the week
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

Helium Escape Valve

It is a one-way valve specific to deep-sea diving watches. This valve helps release the helium gas that may enter the watch during deep dives. The accumulation of this gas inside the watch can lead to the explosion of the watch crystal as the diver ascends to the surface. The helium escape valve allows for the safe release of the helium gas pressure without allowing water molecules to enter the watch.


The helium escape valve allows the small helium particles to escape while preventing the entry of water molecules. This feature helps protect the watch and ensure its proper functioning during and after deep-sea diving. However, the helium escape valve is not necessary for regular recreational diving.