Calatrava 5524G-001

When Manufacturers made watches as timing instruments, back in the early 20th century, they were made for a single purpose. Patek Philippe were no different and made several different types of “Pilots” wristwatches. These watches were held in oversized cases with oversized winding crowns. They were developed so pilots could look at a glance to see the time and were made oversized for ease of handling with thick gloves. In recent years the computer chip has changed the way aeroplanes are flown and how pilots fly them. The original Patek Philippe “Pilots watches can be viewed in the PP Museum in Geneva. To pay homage to these early watches, Patek Philippe created the Calatrava travel time Pilots watch. When launched, the watch received mixed appraisals from journalists and collectors alike. Today, the model has become one of the most sought after Patek Philippe watches in their current collection. This particular model is the ref 5524G-001, held in an all 18t white gold case with dual locking buttons for ease of time adjust. Held on a brown calfskin strap with matching white gold pin buckle. Fitted with a Manufacture calibre 324 S C FUS mechanical self winding movement with dual time and night/day indicators. Blue/black dial with applied gold luminous Arabic numerals and transferred detailing. Finished with a sapphire crystal glass and case back.