Patek Philippe presents a new breakthrough: the 5550P with GyromaxSi balance and Oscillomax!!

Apr 07, 2011,16:21 PM
 

Patek Philippe 5550P with GyromaxSi balance and the Oscillomax escapement!


Tuesday the 5th of April 2011 was a very special day for watchmaking's history.

 

The basic principle of the watch calibre as we know it today begun its long evolution as far as 1675 with the invention of the "spiral" or spring by Christiaan Huygens. The Huygens spring was supposedly oscillating in an isochronous way, what is the aim of a precise regulator.

 

That was in fact not the case as you know and the invention of a specific terminal curve by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795 was supposed to allow a concentric development of the beating spiral. The scientific parameters of this curb were later calculated by Edouard Phillips, hence the name "Breguet spiral with Phillips terminal curb"  for the spiral still used in some of the most prestigious watches (like the Patek Philippe tourbillon or chronograph watches). These spirals are developing concentrically as expected, avoiding any lateral force on the balance axis that would disrupt the precision of the oscillator.

 

The next step came in 1897 when Charles-Edouard Guillaume invented the "invar" alloy that allowed to avoid the influence of the temperature elevation on the balance and the spring. The very low thermic dilatation coefficient of the invar material allowed a better preservation of the isochronism even in changing ambient temperatures.

 

The oscillators saw little evolution then except perhaps the use of free-sprung balance wheels such as the Gyromax balance launched by Patek Philippe in 1949-51 and still used in nearly all current Patek Philippe wristwatches.

 

The quest for a lasting precision of the modern timepieces was still limited by interferences caused by the necessary lubrication, specially between the parts composing the complete oscillator, by the lasting effect of temperature, by the imprecise dimensions of the parts at such a small level of scale, by the magnetic fields, by the distribution of the weight and inertia in the moving parts , by the effect of small or larger shocks on the oscillator, among other possible sources of problems so you can imagine that it was still a perfectible field even if a simple mechanical ETA calibre can be quite precise today if correctly regulated.

 

Following its tradition of innovation and its aspiration for excellence Patek Philippe launched nearly ten years ago the Patek Philippe Advanced Research program. We saw the first result in 2005 with the launch of a new Patek Philippe escape wheel in Silinvar, an oxidized silicium invented by a joint group of the CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Electronique et Microtechnique), Rolex, ETA and Patek Philippe. This new escape wheel was patented (#EP05006186) and issued in the first Patek Philippe Advanced Research watch reference 5250. The interest of this escape wheel was that it didn't need any lubrication and was consequently much more reliable.

 

2006 saw the launch of the second step named Spiromax, a Silinvar flat spiral that allows a better isochronism as it develops concentrically thanks to its specific and totally new Patek Philippe terminal curb that could not be produced if not made in Silinvar. It is also amagnetic and temperature compensated. It adds an integrated stud attachment and an integrated self centered collet, consequently avoiding any disruptive effect due to the attachment. Thanks to its very low weight (mass three times smaller) it is also less prone to be influenced by gravity and centrifugal forces. Finally it is also three times flatter (0.12mm thick) than a Breguet spring with an overall better result. The Spiromax was first launched in the limited reference 5350, associated with the Silinvar escape wheel.

 

The Pulsomax escapement seemed to close the series in 2008 with a new Silinvar anchor and an evolution of the Silinvar escape wheel, associated with the Silinvar Spiromax spring. It was the first escapement entirely conceived by Patek Philippe. The Pulsomax, still a Swiss lever escapement, was bringing a much more precise geometry and an enhanced efficiency in power transmission on top of all positive aspects shown by the former steps (absence of lubrication, antimagnetism, hardness, lightweight, temperature compensated, …). The Pulsomax was first launched in the limited reference 5450 and very recently in the Grand Complication 5208, letting maybe some think that Patek Philippe had ended the work.

 


 

Well in fact the three first steps were just the beginning of a new chapter. What makes Mr Stern, honorary president of Patek Philippe, Mr Nico de Rooij, IMT (Institut de Microtechnique) director and vice president of  CSEM SA, Mr Patrick Aebischer, president of the EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, and Mr Philippe Gnaegi, Conseiller d'Etat du Canton de Neuchatel be so happy?

 

Let's say they are happy to announce the creation of the Patek Philippe Chair dedicated to the application of new micro and nanotechnology to watchmaking. At the same time they also confirmed the launch of a new complex in Neuchatel for the IMT that will unite 500 to 600 scientists working on microtechnique, in collaboration with the EPFL. To be associated to this huge project is a way for Patek Philippe to perpetuate its tradition of innovation and to relaunch the fundamental research in the horological branch, as expressed Mr Philippe Stern.

 


 

In fact you may have already understood that Patek Philippe already has had ten years of experience with the CSEM, where all Patek Philippe Silinvar parts have been created and produced so far. This trusty collaboration is wished to last and the technical prowess that was presented that day was an example of what is coming.

 

 

Here is above the entry of the CSEM in Neuchatel.

 

We had the opportunity to visit some laboratories of the CSEM and I can tell you that the visit of the quality control was impressive. Using X ray technology but also microcospic observation the quality control is able to test parts, evaluate defects, and suggest treatments to annihilate them. The precision of vision is down to the atomic scale and one of the tools used gave a Nobel Prize to its creator in 1986. 

You can see below the clean room where all Patek Philippe Silinvar parts are made. It will help you understand that we're going beyond traditional watchmaking here.

 

The image below shows you the full set of innovations integrated in the Oscillomax ensemble. The Spiromax, the updated Pulsomax and the new GyromaxSi all together constitute a fantastic improvement to annihilate the traditional problems encountered by Swiss lever escapements. The quest for lasting precision is taken to a whole new step. 

 


 

The table below shows the result on a calibre 240 torque curb. When a traditional 240 is nearly stopped after 48 hours of power reserve, the Oscillomax 240 has lost only 10% of its torque and still has 22 hours of power reserve. The increase and progress in efficiency is huge.

 


 

If you wonder why the result shown is about a calibre 240 while all former Advanced Research models were based on a 324, it's time to confess that there is also a new watch today.

 

The calibre 240 is well known for its use in the slim perpetual calendar models. That's where we're going today.

 

 

You'll soon see the new watch but please take a few more seconds to see the reason for the very complex teeth on the new escape wheel.

 


 

Thierry Stern was really happy looking after this conference, as much as Philippe Stern seemed so and expressed it claiming " c'est genial".

 

In fact if Thierry Stern said to me that they don't want to go too fast, they don't feel it's a race, they still want first and foremost to improve, get more reliable. That's why they think that the Silinvar will remain in the oscillator, where it's really useful for precision and reliability.

 


 

For them it's not a race as they are not interested in chronometry contests, except those they do in-house, as Philippe Stern expressed to me.

 


 

Here is below the best view on a tri-dimensional oscillomax. What you have to imagine and understand is that the profile of the fork and teeth are totally developed to optimize energy transmission without disruptive shocks. As you can understand such profiles would not be possible with traditional materials.

 


 

We're reaching the level of nanotechnology now, with a geometrical precision that is far beyond the lubrication problem that begun it all with silicium.

 


 

The image below will show you how the fork extremity is protected in case of shock.

 


 

As we are all mainly watch lovers here the time has come now to have a look at the extraordinary timepiece that will use the Oscillomax ensemble for the first time.

 


 

The new Patek Philippe 5550P is basically a 5140P equipped with an Oscillomax and a new dial. The new calibre iteration 240 Q Si takes advantage of the Oscillomax improvements to increase its power reserve to 70 hours. In strict use that means that an owner can put the watch fully wound on a Friday evening and find it still working on a Monday morning, what was not possible so far without a winder.

 


 

In fact there's a paradox in seeing a very classic watch adopt such a modern technology. I think it is totally logic if you integrate the fact that the watch worn by Philippe Stern is generally a 3940 that he sees as a practical watch. The magical charm of the perpetual calendar, related to the long term precision, will be here associated with the quest for the immediate precision.

 


 

You'll see below pics of a prototype calibre with a transparent escape wheel bridge. The Oscillomax pieces are quite visible here. Of course you'll have to wait a little more to have such view in your own watch, but you may be tempted to look at your calibre 324 and calibre CH 28-520 if produced less than a year ago as the Spiromax, the Silinvar spring, is the first generalized implementation of the series. It should be installed soon in all calibre 215 and 240 too.

 


 

Silinvar parts can be identified by their form or by their blue colour resulting form the oxidation that transforms silicon in Silinvar.

 


 

No doubt that the 300 watches reference 5550P will be most sought after. If you are tempted to apply I can give you an advice. Thierry Stern hopes these watches to be worn and not kept in a safe, as they are also prototypes of the future. They should be sold around the same price of the current 5140P. For Mr and Mr Stern there is no reason to increase the price because of the silicium parts.

 


 

Of course some may think that this watch of the first chapter of the future should have had a more modern look. I can just tell I would love to wear it. It's innovation for a result and not for communication. Imagine the pleasure of the banker, or grand father, or young worker who will hide his prototype watch under a very discreet and classical design. Patek Philippe is about innovation in content, not innovation in looking.

 


 

The silvery grey dial with a vertical satin finish perfectly complements the platinum case to emphasize the readability of the pink gold markers. The watch is indeed extremely legible. The choice of finishes gives to the watch a much informal look in my opinion.

 


 

The watch obviously keeps the well known thinness of the 5140 series. It is a watch filled with content, but thinly used. This characteristic remains an essential principle for Patek Philippe. Their watches are created to be as thin as possible.

 


 

You've obviously noticed the luminous hands and markers. At last a perpetual calendar I could sleep with!

 


 

That reminds me of this phrase: to change everything so that nothing changes!

 

This watch is still an extra thin automatic perpetual calendar. It is now also an ultra modern time tool with 17 patents applied.

 


 

I take this opportunity to show you one face we rarely get to see. It is no less beautiful than the back, no?

 


 

I can just hope to see some of you here have the chance to get one and share from time to time with us the pleasure of reporting their "live" testing.

 


 

I hope you enjoyed it. I enjoyed to witness of this memorable day.

 

Cheers

 

Dje

 

This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-04-07 16:24:19 This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-04-08 08:55:00 This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-04-11 06:19:32 This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-04-21 03:12:18 This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-04-21 10:14:56 This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-04-21 10:16:25


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Comments: view entire thread

 

Ive always loved Patek perpetuals and annual calendars

 
 By: mr : April 7th, 2011-17:04
This one is no exception Thanks for sharing regards Marwan

Amazing...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 7th, 2011-18:01
The new escapement wheel has an incredible profile with interesting contact points with the specially shaped lever. Absolutely amazing, all this information will take some time to digest, but definitely an incredible watch! I even like the color.

Now that it one watch that really interests me! Thanks Jerome

 
 By: watch-guy.com : April 7th, 2011-18:29
.Does any-one have any ideas about costs Julian

Thanks, Jerome...

 
 By: little501 : April 7th, 2011-19:11
An excellent explanantion+excellent photos... Don't know who are the 300 lucky owners?

Great report!

 
 By: dl999 : April 7th, 2011-21:36
Dear Jerome, thanks a lot for giving us plenty of detailed information! Your pics are more appealing than those from the press release - I start to like that watch! Domi

Progress never stops

 
 By: grigo : April 7th, 2011-21:59
Great post thanks for sharing. I really love to read these more technical posts. It's amazing what can still be done in watch making. Best regards, George

excellent report

 
 By: PP_Geneve : April 7th, 2011-22:04
thank you for putting things in perspective with such a fantastic well-written and well-illustrated paper! "to change everything so that nothing changes!" yes! the way PP is doing "business" as a profound impact on how i'm doing mine

You're too kind! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:08
nt

FANTASTIC report Jérôme

 
 By: patrickh : April 7th, 2011-22:38
You had a great meeting in Switzerland. Thanks for sharing these so complete and understandable explanations + photos. I love more and more Patek Philippe "garde-temps" and the politics and philosophy of Mr Stern have to be applaused. Great work you have ... 

Excellent report. [nt]

 
 By: jimjenkins : April 7th, 2011-23:25
No message body

Thank you. nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:11
nt

I'm glad to have had such an opportunity Patrick

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:11
Hi, I'm privileged to have attended such an event and am happy that you seem to appreciate that too as it is letting me hope to see such chance happen again! Thank you for your comments. Dje

Thanks! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:11
nt

What interested me the most was the consequence of these technical improvements.

 
 By: amanico : April 7th, 2011-23:01
Thanks, Jerome, for having answered to many of the questions which were hiding behind this " new " Perpetual Calendar, and to have summed the Silicon journey into PP watches, too. The diagram of the respective amplitude curbs of the " improved " 240 and t... 

Thank you Nicolas

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:15
Hi, As a frequent user of a calibre 240 you know this calibre well. I know your love for it. These improvements are probably the indication that we'll see the 240 for a long time still. Well if this dial is not for you, there will be another one someday..... 

Yes, I'm very happy to see the Cal 240 improving, technically.

 
 By: amanico : April 10th, 2011-14:02
But I would also prefer seeing PP diversify their movements. Let's take the example of the Cal 240: We see it in a " simple " Calatrava, in the Nautilus Moonphase, in the WT, in the Quantieme Perpetuel, and in the Celestial. It disturbs me a bit, from an ... 

Well

 
 By: Dje : April 11th, 2011-11:10
Hi Nicolas, I know your point as we already discussed it. As I understand it this is definitely not Patek Philippe's policy to develop competing (between each other) calibres. For each use there's one calibre. The 240 base is the ultra thin auto base. I d... 

Well, a proper movement for each watch is not realistic, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : April 11th, 2011-13:50
And even this famous German brand is not giving to each of their watch a dedicated movement. They share a common base ( some of them ) and some have a module, to serve a complication. But, depending on the price, I woild expect something special... An exa... 

Of course you're entitled to all expectations

 
 By: Dje : April 12th, 2011-00:02
Hi Nicolas, Of course you're entitled to all expectations but I have little doubt that developping a specific base calibre for a low production piece like the Celestial would mean a watch priced at 300 000 instead of "only" 200 000, with a resulting calib... 

I totally get your point, Jerome.

 
 By: amanico : April 12th, 2011-00:06
I'm sometime too exigeant, that must be the counterpart of my passion. Do we have a picture of the Celestial Case back? I would like to see how it looks like, as the case is big, and the movement is small. Best, Nicolas.

I understand

 
 By: Dje : April 12th, 2011-00:20
Hi, Unfortunately I don't have a pic of the case back but there's one on the Patek Philippe website under the reference 5102. Cheers Dje

There is one ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : April 12th, 2011-00:51
from our dear SJX ... In this case I have no problem with the proportion, even when the movement is small. What I would love to compare is the level of finish on the "same" movement, from watches in different price categories ... Oliver...  

I would have preferred it a bit bigger, on the Celestial.

 
 By: amanico : April 12th, 2011-00:55
But you have a point on the degree of finish between a " Standart " 240 and the one used in the Celestial. It would be interesting to compare, yes. Best, Nicolas.

Thank you for the picture

 
 By: Dje : April 12th, 2011-00:59
Hi, What I can tell you is that Swiss watchmakers do not change the level of finish of a specific calibre depending on the final watch it will be put in. A 6000 has exactly the same level of finish of the base calibre as the 5102. The workers finishing th... 

Thanks Dje ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : April 12th, 2011-01:20
for your reply, but if only I could believe. Especially with Swiss watchmakers and my experiences with PP watches in specific, I still have my doubts these days - to be honest. Don´t get me wrong, I know what they are able to deliver ... in some of their ... 

What is there that you don't believe?

 
 By: Dje : April 12th, 2011-01:31
Hi Oliver, What is there that you don't believe? Of course Patek Philippe has a much higher standard of finish on manual wind chronograph, tourbillon or minute repeater calibres than on a 215, a 240 or a 324. They are not positioned at the same level. But... 

Once more Dje ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : April 12th, 2011-01:41
thanks a lot for your detailed reply, which I appreciate a lot. Best, Oliver

"Do we want to have all watches become unattainable?"

 
 By: small-luxury-world : April 12th, 2011-00:56
For sure, we don´t need unattainable watches - only! Oliver

Sometimes it is good to wait ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : April 8th, 2011-00:57
and Jerome the report was worth the waiting. Once more good pictures, informativ details, personal thoughts ... and I appreciate them all. Innovation not for the sake of communication (only) and cased in something that doesn´t show beauty at the first sig... 

Thank you for your comments Oliver and...

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:18
Hi, Thank you for your comments Oliver. As you suggest Thierry Stern himself said to me that he hopes that many will be worn regularly, as he knows that obviously some will end up in safes. In fact there are some prototypes worn everyday somewhere in Plan... 

Thanks for the detailed report Jerome.

 
 By: fernando : April 8th, 2011-02:02
Interesting to note the advancements made to the 5550P. The 'clean' room reminds me of a highly infectious disease centre or a top secret biological testing area instead of a process in watchmaking. I like the watch in it's entirety and kudos to Mr. Stern... 

Extremely cool technology...

 
 By: jeffrey2 : April 8th, 2011-02:07
and fantastic, comprehensive story. Thank you so much for sharing with me. Given the advances to the traditional escapement and balance, I can't help but wonder whether the tourbillon will continue to be a meaningful tool for enhancing the accuracy of the... 

That's a good question! Another would be....

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:20
Another would be if we will ever see a Silinvar tourbillon? I have no answer! Thank you for your comments. Cheers Dje

Fantastic review.

 
 By: VMM : April 8th, 2011-03:41
Wow, it looks like an amazing achievement, doesn't it? It really outperforms the results, at least on the graphics, and the whole new movement looks gorgeous. Bravo PP! Thanks for sharing. Vte

My pleasure Vte! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:21
nt

Great article Jerome. You did a marvelous job of making quite

 
 By: timerider : April 8th, 2011-08:57
a lot of technical information very enjoyable to read and very easy to understand. Having been in endless discussions with many of the manufactures about Silicium(silicon) for mechanical applications, the commitment that Patek Philippe has made to this ma... 

Thank you for this very deep description in this innovation

 
 By: Mark in Paris : April 8th, 2011-09:31
I'm happy that a brand like PP still keeps innovating. This top watchmaker could have been satisfied with what it represents today and just remains still. I'm not a specialist in horology but I like what is technic and you report was highly understandable...  

Amazing report Dje...

 
 By: Andy : April 8th, 2011-14:08
and what an awsome piece...does it get any better than this..? If they'd like me to wear one for testing purposes my day job is quality control of pharmaceuticals and I will happily wear this for them and never take it off..! Thanks for the report. Andy.

Thanks, Jerome.

 
 By: masterspiece : April 8th, 2011-21:50
This report is chock full of info. I take it the blue is from the photosensitive resin or was it to match Thierry Stern's tie? Aloha, Bob

My pleasure Bob! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:25
nt

Great article, Dje!

 
 By: dxboon : April 8th, 2011-23:32
I learned a lot and found the innovations to be extremely interesting. I think the movement is quite lovely, even if the dial is perhaps a little staid for me. Kudos to Patek! Cheers, Daos

Thank you Daos! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:26
nt

indeed,

 
 By: Bruno.M1 : April 9th, 2011-00:10
one of the best articles ever

Interesting read.

 
 By: Davo : April 9th, 2011-00:31
Thanks for sharing. And of course well done PP! A simply marvelous achievement.

Jerome thank you for your excellent and..........

 
 By: Topcat30093 : April 9th, 2011-01:44
Fully indepth report. Some "live" photots and the fully explained diagrams, have certainly helped me to apprciate the work taken to acheive such a nice looking piece. I doubt very much that I will get the opportunity to see one, dummy or otherwise. So wil... 

My pleasure Roxas! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:29
nt

Thanks a lot Jérôme for this great article

 
 By: foversta : April 9th, 2011-01:52
First of all, I find the watch beautiful... they slightly updated the design and the result is great. Let's back to the technical features of the watch. They improve the performances, that's clear if we read the charts. But the key points remain unknown: ... 

Extreme Lab by Patek??? See what Lange does ...

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : April 9th, 2011-02:59
I also do not associate Patek with "high tech" like JLC for instance. As Lange has and is still showing: using tarditional techniques and clockwork still can result in some truely groundbraking watches: LANGE ZEITWERK! It has got still clockwork-parts of ... 

advanced research?

 
 By: dsgalaxy1 : April 9th, 2011-05:43
Am i the only one who think that there's no need to show on the dial the inscription Advances Research? Where is the magic to keep this LE undisclosed to the other people's eyes, except for the brand's lovers or simple fans?

An incredibly comprehensive post! I appreciate the

 
 By: whit : April 9th, 2011-09:20
time and effort to bring this forward in such a detailed and informative manner.

The new hands, colored markers are a huge improvement!!

 
 By: Mostel : April 9th, 2011-10:13
I still find this dial cluttered and much prefer the 3940 (except the case size) but the contrasting elements here vastly improve this watch--and its nice that the pt now distinguishes itself from the wg in an obvious way--unlike the 3940. Not bad, PP.

5140P/5550P

 
 By: gary01 : April 9th, 2011-11:31
Yes, the dial on the 5140 is slightly cluttered. Yes, it is not quite as perfect a dial as the 3940. Nevertheless, with its thin elegance and dial simplicity, the 5140 remains at the top of the world of perpetuals, and is "perfect enough" for me. Now, wit... 

New respect for Patek

 
 By: SamEE : April 9th, 2011-16:10
I always respected patek as one of the best watch makers in the world, but after reading your post I have a new level of respect for what they do. It was amazing to see the amount of research and technology that is put into every piece. Thanks for the pos... 

Thank you SamEE! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:37
nt

great post, thanks

 
 By: donizetti : April 10th, 2011-01:17
good to see the thinking behind this development line. I am not sure the DRIE technology as presented here is that unique to Patek though and I think that some other escapements (AP ....) are more innovative than this which is essentially, if I understand... 

Thanks Andreas

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:39
Hi, This is still a Swiss lever escapement. Apparently Patek Philippe is very happy of this classic. The DRIE technique is not exclusive to PP, and is not new either. The evolution of the technique may be less spread to that level. Cheers Dje

Excellent and didactic post... as usual [nt]

 
 By: relpub : April 10th, 2011-11:37
No message body

Thank you! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:40
nt

very innovative and very efficient technology from Patek

 
 By: georgeszaslavsky : April 10th, 2011-11:58
Not only Patek reached a new level of how to improve the power reserve but the accuracy as well. The silinvar material in the balance, balance spring and escapement seems to be a very promising and leading technology. Very nice movement finish as usual. T... 

Thank you George. nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:40
nt

Great article DJE!

 
 By: DRMW : April 10th, 2011-13:29
Thanks for this, well done. -MW

Thanks Ming! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 10th, 2011-13:41
nt

Truly interesting, Dje! Thanks! And let me ask:

 
 By: marcelo : April 11th, 2011-10:51
Do you know what is that for? Looks like a "languet" for opening the back with a finger......  

Great reporting...

 
 By: ocwatching : April 15th, 2011-07:48
I love the combination of history and new technology in the reporting. I learn something new everyday! Great reporting and photos! Love how PP is pushing the limits on my base Cal240 (5120). Thank you!

You're welcome! nt

 
 By: Dje : April 24th, 2011-23:09
nt

5550P captures PP spirits perfectly

 
 By: twom4 : May 22nd, 2011-00:18
Thank you for the great report and the wonderful pictures of this understated watch and the contained advanced technology. It reperesents PP spirits and philosophy in watch making. Other PP watches will certainly benefit from these latest technology. If o... 

In April here, in the press ...

 
 By: Georg : June 22nd, 2011-05:15
... months (!) later: Photo from the table of contents Part of the June cover Thank you very much, Dje, for your article on the 5550 in this forum! Best regards Georg...