Patek Philippe created the "Advanced Research" series to explore new developments, components, and materials for the company's time pieces. The research culminated in the development of Ref. 5250, 5350, 5450, and finally, the present Ref. 5550.

First showcased at Baselworld in 2011, reference 5550 is a perpetual calendar that utilizes all of the company's previous silicon developments. It is important to note that its predecessors are all annual calendars. The watch houses a modified cal. 240 QP, which features a Pulsomax escape wheel and pallet fork, Spiromax hairspring and GyromaxSi balance wheel. These components are all are rendered in silicon, meaning that they do not need to be oiled.

The present watch is offered in like new condition, and is part of a limited edition of 300 pieces only.

百達翡麗先進研究部（Advanced Research）2005年正式成立，期間不斷研發矽材質，並且應用在型號5250，5350，5450和本次拍品型號5550。限量300枚的百達翡麗型號5550萬年曆腕錶，充分展現了傳統理念與創新元素的完美融合，搭載的240 QP機芯裡配置的GyromaxSi®擺輪、Spiromax®游絲、Pulsomax®擒縱器、連同槓桿和擒縱齒輪全由矽材質製成，用以提高動力儲存、走時精準度、和減低部件的耗損率。