Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time 5524R

Details

This watch is in excellent/near-mint condition, with very light marks appropriate for a lightly handled solid gold watch. The original leather strap is in excellent used condition.

Comes in original box with hang tag, purchase receipt and documents. Certificate of Origin dated and present.

Patek Philippe's 5224 was initially released in 2015 to mixed reception. The sporty and pilot-inspired design was a controversial move away from the brand's more conservative offerings, particularly considering that Patek Philippe never actually made a dedicated pilot's watch before. Regardless, it has become a key part of the Calatrava collection, offering both functionality (in the form of the travel time complication) as well as a unique aesthetic within the brand's product lineup.

PATEK PHILIPPE

To many, Patek Philippe is the epitome of the high-end watchmaker. Throughout its nearly two centuries' of existence, it has weathered everything from the World Wars to the Quartz Crisis of the 1980s. Even today, it's widely acknowledged to be amongst the most successful and prestigious watchmakers, with its creations gracing wrists of everyone from bankers and politicians to rappers and actors.

Patek Philippe began its life as Patek, Czapek & Cie. in 1839 and made its name by making some of the most accurate watch movements. By the turn of the century, Patek was venturing into the realm of high complications, including split-seconds chronographs, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters. The latter made it into wristwatch-form in 1924 as a piece unique for Ralph Teetor, the inventor of the cruise control function.

In 1932, the company ownership changed hands to the Stern family, who still run Patek Philippe. In that same year, the Calatrava wristwatch was introduced. By the 1970s, seeing the damage which the Quartz Crisis had done to the industry, Patek Philippe decided to introduce a bold new steel watch. Thus, the Nautilus was born.

Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, solidifying its reputation as one of the finest Swiss watchmakers. From the highly-desirable stainless steel sports watches, to the famed high complications, down to the 'humble' Calatrava, Patek Philippe proves that it can do it all.