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

Perlage

Perlage is a decorative technique used in high-end watchmaking, particularly on the movements of mechanical watches. This intricate hand-finishing method involves creating tiny, overlapping circular patterns on surfaces such as bridges, plates, and even the inside of the caseback. These circular motifs not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the movement but also serve a functional purpose by helping to prevent corrosion. 

The patterns are created using a rotating tool, often by hand, and require a delicate touch to achieve uniform, concentric circles. While primarily decorative, the quality of the perlage can serve as an indicator of the overall craftsmanship of the movement. Well-executed perlage demonstrates the skill of the watchmaker and often signifies attention to detail in the finer aspects of the timepiece.