Patek Philippe Calatrava 'Pilot' Travel Time

The Patek Philippe Calatrava needs little introduction. But in 2015, Patek took the familiar Calatrava name to a decidedly unexpected place: the cockpit.

The Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Reference 5524G-001 caused something of a stir when it debuted, drawing inspiration from pilot’s watches Patek Philippe produced during the 1930s. At 42mm, with oversized luminous Arabic numerals and prominent pushers, it was a dramatic departure from the restrained dress watches most collectors associated with the Calatrava. A decade later, the design feels less controversial and considerably cooler.

This example features a 42mm 18K white-gold case paired with a gorgeous dark navy-blue lacquered dial. Large applied Arabic numerals, broad luminous hands, and a railway-style minute track provide the aviation vocabulary, while the Travel Time complication makes the watch genuinely useful. A skeletonized hand indicates home time, while the solid hour hand displays local time and is independently adjustable in one-hour increments using the knurled pushers at 8 and 10 o’clock. Separate day/night indicators distinguish home and local time, while a pointer date occupies the subsidiary display at 6.

Visible through the sapphire caseback is Patek Philippe’s self-winding Calibre 324 S C FUS, combining the manufacture’s typically superb finishing with a complication designed for actual travel rather than merely horological theater. This example comes particularly complete with its inner and outer boxes, Certificate of Origin, papers and pamphlets, setting tool, and an additional strap.

The 5524G remains one of modern Patek’s great curveballs: part Calatrava, part pilot’s watch, part travel companion. Unexpected in 2015, distinctive today, and proof that even Patek Philippe can occasionally enjoy breaking its own rules.

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.