====== PP 240 ======

{{wst>image_cr|PP|240}}

Calibre **PP 240** is an [[automatic]] watch movement from [[Patek Philippe]].

This is Patek Philippe's current [[micro-rotor]] automatic movement.

===== Info =====
Calibre 240 is a venerable but respected watch movement, dating back to [[1977]]. It uses a [[micro rotor]] for [[automatic|automatic winding]] to keep the movement as thin as possible, and thus serves as a platform for many complications in Patek Philippe's range of thin watches. To this end, most Cal. 240 movement variations omit a seconds hand. The thinnest Cal. 240 movements are just 2.53 mm thick (2.4 mm as measured by some), while even most more-complicated models are under 4 mm. The largest and thickest model in the family, Cal. 240 LU CL C, uses a special 38 mm plate and is 6.81 mm thick, quite an anomaly in this family.

Like most movements from the 1970's, Cal. 240 beats at a leisurely 21,600 A/h. This contributes to its respectable power reserve, up to 48 hours, but requires careful tuning to maintain accuracy. This is accomplished with Patek's well-known and respected two-spoke [[Gyromax]] balance which has eight internal weights for adjustment.

Calibre 240 has the distinction of de-throning one of the longest-running and most-loved watch movements of the century, Patek Philippe's [[PP 27-460|Cal. 27-460]]. This full-rotor automatic movement lasted in production from [[1960]] until [[1985]], when the thin aspect and proven mechanics of Cal. 240 finally pushed it to retirement. The fact that Cal. 240 remains actively in use today in many of Patek Philippe's watches is telling Between this movement and Cal. 27-460 (itself closely related to the original automatic movement, [[PP 12-600 AT|Cal. 12-600 AT]]), these two movement designs have powered Patek Philippe's high-end automatic watches for over 60 years!

===== Advanced Research =====
In [[2000]], Patek Philippe launched an [[Patek Philippe Advanced Research|Advanced Research project]] to develop next-generation watch components. One major area of development was silicon escapements and balance wheels, both of which were used in a special variant of this movement, Cal. 240 Q Si. As implied, this reference includes a [[perpetual calendar]], [[moon phase]], and [[24 hour display]] as on the 240 Q, but adds some novel high-tech components:
  - The //GyromaxSi// balance wheel is an hourglass-shaped balance composed of silicon and gold weights, replacing the traditional wheel.
  - The escapement wheel and anchor are constructed of silicon.
  - The //Spiromax// [[hairspring]] is also constructed of silicon.

This combination was labeled "Oscillomax" by Patek Philippe and sold in a limited-edition [[Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar|5550P Advanced Research Perpetual Calendar]] watch in [[2011]].

===== Complications =====
Patek pairs Cal. 240 with various complication modules:

{{wst>template_patek_philippe_240}} 


===== See also =====
  * [[PP 324]], the current central-rotor automatic movement

===== External Links =====
  * [[http://www.users.cloud9.net/~bradmcc/240/|Sweet and Simple: A Photographic Portrait of the Patek Caliber 240 by Walt Odets]]


<WRAP ud ud_mov>

**Manufacturer:**
  * [[Patek Philippe]]

**Description:**
  * [[Automatic]] movement

**Functions:**
  * Hour/minute hands

**Data:**
  * 21,600 A/h
  * 27.5-38 mm wide, 2.53-6.81 mm high
  * 27, 27, 33, 45 jewels
  * 45-48 hours power reserve

**Production period:**
  * [[1977]]-current
</WRAP>

{{tag>Movements Automatic_movements Micro-rotor_movements Patek_Philippe_calibres}}