Patek Philippe for this year’s Watches and Wonders has introduced 17 new models that have innovative technical and aesthetic features. The wide selection of timepieces unveiled ranges from haute Joailerie version of the Grandmaster Chime, the first annual calendar to enter the ladies’ Aquanaut Luce collection to the all-new Calatrava 24-hour Display Travel Time.
Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe explains why the brand has so many different collections, by stating that “Each of them has its own character and its own way of enabling us to innovate and express ourselves. From the Grand Complications to the elegant sports models and others that have become icons of horological design, Patek Philippe maintains a vast choice of watches for men and women in every market segment. As time passes, the manufacture takes great care to ensure a balanced evolution of the approximately 150 references, which are crafted in small series, ranging from about ten pieces to a few hundred. The 17 new introductions presented at the Watches and Wonders 2023 salon are the perfect illustration.”
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava collection was first introduced back in 1932. When these models were first released, they were simple three-handers with a constant seconds window at 6 o’clock. The dial was kept minimalistic, all we saw were the hour indices, hands, and the 6 o’clock window. Understated elegance was the central theme around the models released back then.
Now for this latest 2023 release, Patek Philippe has used this elegant design and now given it a 24-hour display. Encased in a 42mm rose gold case, the all-new Calatrava reference 5224R-001 features a Travel Time dual time zone with an original 24-hour display. The standard hour is displayed by circles within the minute track. The 24-hour time is shown through the Arabic numerals shown in increments of 2 all the way to 24, with the odd numbers (1,3,5..) shown through baton-style markers.
The standard hour and minute hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova, which makes the dual time hand stand out in a skeletonised finish. The dial is finished with a blue background two different finishes. In the inner circle, we get what Patek terms as a complex finish touch” followed by the out part of the dial (where the 24-hour display is located) finished with a sunburst effect.
The Patek Philippe Calatrava 24-hour Display Travel Time is given a new caliber 31-260 PS FUS 24H self-winding movement, which features Patek’s patented system for correcting local time by the crown. This caliber movement works at a frequency of 28, 800 VpH (4Hz) and is able to produce a standard power reserve of 48 hours. Through the case back we can see a lot of this beautiful 31-260 PS FUS 24H self-winding movement. What’s also shown is the mini-rotor, fitted nicely within the movement, thus making the overall thickness of the case only 9.85mm.
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava 24-hour Display Travel Time is a sleek, understated yet beautifully elegant timepiece that also has a great colour combination of blue and rose gold. Keeping the essence of the original 1932 Calatrava, this new timepiece brings complications that can help further enhance everyday life.
Reference: 5224R-001
Specification:
- Case: 42mm
- Case Material: Rose gold
- Dial: Blue, gold applied numerals and hour markers and cabochons with white luminescent coating.
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 30m (3 Bar)
- Movement: Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 31‑260 PS FUS 24H.
- Power reserve: 48 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Calfskin, nubuck finish, hand-stitched, navy blue. Prong buckle.
