Patek Philippe Calatrava Travel Time 5524R

To many, the inception and development of wristwatches in horology have not escaped the legendary throne of Patek Philippe. It is challenging to put a blanket over its influences throughout two centuries which witnessed some of the most significant historical events from World War I to current ongoing affairs. 

The important handover in 1932 towards the Stern family has marked the launch of Calatrava - a watch to consolidate all essential criteria within the dress category and only to interpret the purest essence of watch-making. From the gear train to the escapement, then to the external peripheries, the revolutionary Reference. 96 has expanded wide array of material experimentations and complications to garner the best possible dress piece - one must not argue the exuding elegance of a Ref.2526 beveled case, enamel dial and sword hands, then the flat and narrow profile of the Ref.96 with hundreds of complications and small second configurations, all recently emerging a strong market appearance and striking auction records.

The legendary status is tightly held within the executive family and widely acknowledged as the most prestigious and successful among collectors and watchmakers - all referencing to the pursuit for grace and excellence and those who dare to reach. There is a lot to discuss and debate about Patek Philippe, however if we were to indicate the most prominent dress watch series across all brands, the Calatrava is possibly the most symbolic and revolutionary dress watch ever existed. Every discerned collector has got to come across a Calatrava and appreciate its simplicity and beauty inside-out. Sure, you’ve got your tool-watch which does the daily chores; a Calatrava isn’t about the flex nor the hype, it is the purity between watch-making and art.

The 5524R Calatrava Travel Time is one of a ‘breakthrough’ models in my opinion, underpinning the traditional unisex proportion of a Calatrava and applying its modern inspiration to aviator’s watches, layering a brown sunburst dial with white luminous coating and broad arrow baton-hands in off-set colors. The sportive and aviator-inspired silhouette compliments Patek Philippe’s conservative approach and in fact combined quite a mixture between sports and dressiness with its rose gold metal and brown strap choice. I know that the Calatrava is meant to be gentle and subtle, but the travel-time complication indeed appeals as neither conservative and avant-garde, simply proving a timeless mixture between both and provides a blank sheet to the owners for their interpretation. 

I’d even state that a nylon-fabric strap and alligator strap both works for different occasions depending on whether you’re in the flight mood or down the jet for champagne. I’m sure most outfits could pull this watch off and stay under the radar. 

With the retail price close to 84K AUD and soon to increase again, I really don't have much to say for this price from this piece.