Patek Philippe’s Calatrava Pilot Travel Time took its inspiration from the early 20th century when global travel was emerging and pilots used oversized tool watches to assist in navigation. Released at Basel in 2015, the reference 5524 met some resistance from the collecting community as it was a 21st century dual-time wristwatch and not an exact replica of the past. The functionality of the watch was thoroughly modern and the perfect companion piece for travellers on the go. The 42mm diameter case was dominated by two large time correctors found at the 8 and 10 o’clock positions. These allowed for easy time changing capability and featured patent-pending safety locks to insure the time was not accidentally changed. The white gold indices were Superluminova filled, with a skeleton hand to indicate home time, and a sword hand for the local time. As time passed, the reference garnered more acceptability and in 2018 Patek Philippe issued a new model in rose gold, and a lady’s version, reference 7234R. Today, the reference is firmly entrenched in the Patek Philippe anthology.

The present watch is fresh to the market from the original owner and is in excellent overall condition. It has probably been worn no more than a handful of times and is complete with box and certificate. The watch has a sporty masculine appeal and in time may become an icon of horology.