The Laings Journal
Embark on a journey where classic design and sophistication are combined with world class travel time movements in a marriage of innovation. Presenting Patek Philippe’s Ref. 5524.
In 1884, during the International Meridian Conference held in Washington, D.C., the establishment of standard time and the division of the globe into 24 time zones took place. Since then, the engineers and watchmakers at Patek Philippe have continuously employed their ingenuity to craft watches featuring multiple time zones that are remarkably legible and user-friendly.
Debuting in 2015, the Patek Philippe Ref. 5524 was a welcome new addition to the iconic Calatrava series, differing from the slim dress watches often associated with the collection. The travel time-equipped Ref. 5524 was an elegant and delightfully unexpected introduction to a distinctive timepiece that honours the classic aviator's watches from Patek Philippe.
Similar to the majority of contemporary Patek timepieces, the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time watches are equipped with transparent case backs, offering a glimpse of the intricate and impressive movements powering these watches. The military-driven design was reminiscent of the past, which unknown to many, was not Patek Philippe’s first-time creating aviation timepieces. There are two military aviation references from the 1930s on display at the Patek Philippe Museum. The movements in this Reference have certainly advanced since the original military watches, with the Ref. 5524 timepieces powered by a self-winding mechanical movement and Caliber 26‑330 S C FUS. A dual time zone mechanism displaying local and home time and day/night indication for local and home time in apertures, makes for a timepiece that highlights the pinnacle of Patek Philippe’s watchmaking excellence.
The first Ref. 5524G was presented in a contemporary white gold design, with a blue varnished dial complete with gold applied numerals with a luminescent coating. Since the original 2015 release of this timepiece in white gold, 2018 welcomed an 18ct rose gold Ref. 5524R. The rose-gold version features an attractive sunburst brown dial with black gradient and luminescent-coated gold applied numerals. This timepiece draws on vintage-inspired appeal, presented on a timeless calfskin, vintage brown strap.
Laings proudly showcases Patek Philippe in Glasgow, Southampton and Cardiff. Experience the exquisite Ref. 5524-R001 in-store, where our knowledgeable experts await to guide you through this exceptional timepiece and unveil a world of breathtaking innovations.