For its 2017 "Grand Exhibition - The Art of Watchmaking" at Cipriani in New York,Patek Philippeannounced a new limited edition, time-only Calatrava reference, following themildly controversial, yet broadly well-received from two years earlier. The 5522embodied the same design principles of the original dual-time model, with a noticeably pared-back aesthetic, and wasproduced in limited numbers of 600, made exclusively for PateksNorth American retailers.
The 5522A has a rich, textured blue lacquer dial with Superluminova-filled Arabic hour markers - a clear nod to itspracticalheritage. Visibility is further achieved through blued steel hour and minute hands, with luminous coating on the back. Interestingly, the elongated second's hand is made from aluminium (also with a luminous coating),minimisingits impact on the movement throughthe use of lightweight metal.
With a prominent presence on the wrist (42mm widthand 9mm thick), the watch is a continuation of the 5524Gs striking profile, yet it wears very comfortably. The casefor this limited edition is made of stainless steel, further reinforcing the practical aspects of the design.
The watch ispowered by the caliber324 S - Pateks base self-winding movement, visible through the sapphire display case back, commemoratively engraved with "PATEK PHILIPPE NEW YORK 2017." The 324 S caliber features a central 21-carat gold rotor, Patek Philippe Seal,30 jewels, Gyromax balance (beating at 21,600 A/h) and adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism (in 5 positions).
Much like the5524, the brown calf strap, with steel Clevis prong buckle, immediately makes sense, given the original aviation inspiration behind the timepiece.
This Patek Philippe 5522A Calatrava Pilot isaccompanied by its Certificate of Origin, which confirms its sale (date, month & year), as sold by Tiffany & Co. in New York. It comes with thePatek Philippe inner and outer boxes, Certificate of Origin and its accompanying materials.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment
Closer look
| Brand: | Patek Philippe |
| Model: | Calatrava Ref.5522A-001 |
| Movement: | mechanical automatic -Calibre 324 S |
| Functions: | hours, minutes, center-seconds |
| Features: | display back, luminescence, blue hands |
| Case: | 42mmstainless steel |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Strap: | vintage brown calf leather Patek Philippe strap with quick-release springbars,Clevis prong buckle |
| Lug/buckle width: | 21/18mm |
| Year: | Autumn 2017 |
| Box & papers: | original inner and outer boxes andTiffany-stamped paperwork |
