The Advanced Research team at Patek Philippe developed a new timepiece with a loud all-mechanical chiming sound amplification system.

The Patek Philippe 5750P “Advanced Research” Fortissimo is presented in a sleek polished platinum case measuring 40 mm x 11.1 mm (inspired by the reference 5178 case) — and packing the newly developed 342-component 3Hz automatic caliber R 27 PS (28 mm x 6.05 mm) with a laser-textured platinum off-center micro-rotor and platinum hammers that chime on two classic gongs.

What makes this minute repeater worthy of the Advanced Research designation is the fortissimo “ff” module (which translates to “very loudly”). The fortissimo module consists of a flexibly suspended sound lever and an oscillating wafer made of transparent sapphire-crystal glass. In comparison to conventional minute repeaters (regardless of the case material) — as the name suggests —  “it delivers clearly amplified sound of excellent acoustic quality,” according to Patek Philippe.

Patek’s Ref. 5750P “Advanced Research” minute repeater is the subject of four patents, including the patented sound amplification and diffusion system comprising a flexible suspended sound lever, a sapphire-crystal oscillating wafer, and a titanium ring with four openings.

The Fortissimo 5750P features a distinctive black and silver 18K white gold dial with a snailed black nickel-plated base, an openworked spoke-type decoration, hand-guilloched edging, a circular satin-brushed chapter ring, faceted applied “kite-type” hour markers in blackened white gold, white gold dauphine hands topped with black transfer-print, and a small seconds disk at 6 o’clock. The latter of which rotates continuously at 6 o’clock — offering a subtle visual treat to the 15 lucky owners of this very special piece.

The Fortissimo case is humidity and dust protected — not water-resistant — which means it’s less than 30 meters water-resistant and should not be submerged in water. When fully wound the watch has a maximum power reserve of 48-hours. A vibrant shiny bright orange alligator strap with contrasting black stitching and platinum fold-over clasp is standard. Retail price has not been provided by Patek Philippe but it’s a minute repeater and Advanced Research and is limited to just 15 pieces worldwide (determined by application) — so naturally, the price will be astronomically high.