Patek Philippe has always had strong ties to air traveling. One can go all the way back to the 1930s with the development of the first multiple time-zone wristwatch prototype. Paying tribute to the courageous pioneers of aeronautics, Patek Philippe released the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time watch reference 5524 at Baselworld in 2015. The present timepiece recalls milestones in aviation, and demonstrates of the family-owned Geneva manufacture’s rich contribution to the conquest of the sky.

Offering two time-zones, the present watch features two distinct hour hands, respectively skeletonized for home-time and full with luminous material for local-time. Two large time correctors can be found at the 8 and 10 o’clock positions to immediately adapt the local-time. In a single push, the beholder of this magnificent timepiece can fly "into" time when eastbound and "away" from it when westbound. A function that is especially useful when air travelling around the globe. Thanks to its two additional apertures at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions indicating local and home AM/PM, and its subsidiary dial at 6 O’clock showing the date, reading the time has never been so easy.

Furthermore, the present lot features a large white gold case of 42mm diameter with a dark navy blue matte dial contrasting with oversized Superluminova numerals; ideal features for a tool watch to enhance its legibility, even at night. The sapphire-crystal display case back reveals beautiful details such as the chamfered bridges with Geneva striping, and the circular-grained gold rotor with an engraved Calatrava cross, contrasting with the bright shimmering red-coloured jewels.

The modern aesthetic of the reference 5524 effortlessly resonates with today’s taste. Its steady yet elegant size follows the functionality of the timepiece and becomes the perfect companion piece for any traveller on the go.