The UK perfect replica Patek Philippe Advanced Research webpage opens with a quote from Thierry Stern, the company’s current president: “In 2005, we decided to create a new concept of advanced research. The idea behind this concept was to show the world all the watchmaking knowledge and mastery of Patek Philippe.” This initiative was built upon a unique collaboration that began earlier, in 2002, between Swiss fake Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin (which introduced the Freak, the world’s first wristwatch with silicon escapement wheels, in 2001), Rolex, the Swatch Group, and CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology). The watchmaking giants formed a consortium to secure a patent (EP1422436B1, granted in 2005 and expired in 2022) for the manufacturing of silicon hairsprings.
The consortium was driven by the shared belief in the material’s potential for revolutionising watchmaking. Silicon, being harder yet lighter than steel, non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, shock-proof, and requiring no lubrication, was seen as an ideal material for critical watch components. Best copy Patek Philippe established its Advanced Research department to explore further and develop silicon applications in horology. The first online copy watches to showcase the Advanced Research movement – self-winding calibre 315 S IRM QA LU SI with a new silicon-based escape wheel inside the traditional Swiss lever escapement – was the Advanced Research Annual Calendar Ref. 5250, presented as a limited edition of 100 in 2005.
The Ref. 5250 debuted in a 39mm white gold case with a silvered dial, mirroring the layout of the 5146, and introduced UK cheap super clone Patek Philippe’s mono-crystal silicon material, Silinvar, with its new escape wheel. A “cyclops” magnifying glass was placed on the sapphire crystal caseback, positioned above the escapement to highlight the innovation. This magnifier became a signature feature of future Advanced Research models, including the 2006 Ref. 5350 in pink gold. Powered by the 324 S IRM QA LU calibre, it featured the new Silinvar-based balance spring known as Spiromax, which improved consistency and accuracy. The Ref. 5350 was limited to 300 pieces and marked the widespread use of Spiromax in most new high quality fake Patek Philippe calibres.
In 2008, the brand continued with the release of the Advanced Research Annual Calendar Ref. 5450P. This platinum luxury replica watches, limited to 300 pieces, stood out with its salmon-coloured dial and introduced the Pulsomax silicon-based escapement, incorporating both the escape wheel and lever in Silinvar. This innovation significantly increased energy efficiency and eliminated the need for lubrication, marking another leap forward in horological technology.