Patek Philippe 5224R: 24-Hour Travel Time Complication
Complications

Patek Philippe 5224R: 24-Hour Travel Time Complication

By quattro · Mar 6, 2025 · 16 replies
quattro
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, delves into the Patek Philippe Ref. 5224R, a modern timepiece that revives the rarely seen combination of a 24-hour display and travel time. His exploration extends beyond the contemporary, tracing the historical roots of this unique double complication within Patek Philippe's legacy, particularly in their iconic Chronometro Gondolo pocket watches. Emmanuel's research provides invaluable context for understanding the 5224R's place in horological history.

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When Patek Philippe introduced the ref. 5224R two years ago, it made me happy because it was a rose gold model (which I personally love and which has unfortunately become less common among their releases) with a very interesting double complication - 24-hour display & travel time -, a gorgeous case design and a very nice looking caliber with a platinum micro rotor (31-260 PS FUS 24H).

At 42 mm, I knew it would be too large for my wrist and I'm not completely sure I would feel very comfortable on a daily basis with the reading of time on the 24-hour display. But who cares? This watch deserves a dedicated thread.

It's often said that Patek used a 24-hour display in their Chronometro Gondolo pocket watches. But, most of the time, only one model is shown. So here are three different ones from the Patek Philippe Museum.

And, most importantly, the question I asked myself was: has there ever been a pocket watch with the same double complication (24-hour display and travel time)? The answer to this question is just below.

Enjoy!

Best,
Emmanuel


A/ Ref. 5224R

For a starter, here are some of the most beautiful photos I've found of this reference.

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

Watch by Patek Philippe, Patek Philipp

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

credit: a blog to watch 

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

Watch by Patek Philippe, P

credit: hodinkee

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

credit: monochrome

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

credit: Sjx

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

credit: oracle time

Watch by Patek Philippe, complications, 5224, 5224R

credit: watch collecting lifestyle


B/ PATEK PHILIPPE CHRONOMETRO GONDOLO 24-HOUR DISPALY POCKET WATCHES

Now, here are three different Chronometro Gondolos which are a previous take on the 24-hour display by Patek Philippe. The third one is often shown, but not the two first ones. And I find it interesting to point out that the layout of the 5224R is different from all three: the 18h is located at 3 o’clock instead of 9 and, like in the first and third variants below, there is no “0” (but a “12” instead).

1/ Double scale: Twenty-four Arabic (with black numerals for the night hours and red ones for the daytime hours) & 2 x Twelve Roman

Watch by Patek Philippe, gondolo


2/ Twenty-four Arabic with 0 on top

Watch by Patek Philippe, gondolo


3/ Twenty-four Arabic with 24 on top

Watch by Patek Philippe, gondolo

personal photos from the Patek Philippe Museum

Watch by Patek Philippe, gondolo





Watch by Patek Philippe, gondolo



credit: the keystone


C/ FOUR OTHER 24-HOUR DISPLAY POCKET WATCHES (one Agassiz & three Omegas)

Even if the Chronometro Gondolos are the most famous ones, there are many other 24-hour display pocket watches. Omega, in particular, has made several models and variants.

1/ G.C.T (Greenwich Civil Time) 24 hour dial pocket watch with Wind Indicator by Agassiz circa 1940 (G.C.T watches were navigational tools used by pilots and navigators during World War II)







credit: antiques boutique Agassiz


2/ Omega silver pocket watch with black 24h scale (with 24 on top) & red 12h scale from 6 to 12 o'clock, cal. 19.LBT1 (1925)









credit: marcels watch group


2/ Omega silver pocket watch with 60 minutes scale, black 24 hour scale (with 12 on top) & red 12 hour scale from 12 to 6 o'clock, cal. 19.LBT (1930)












4/ Same as previous with additional Compass indications in French at 12, 3, 6 & 9 o'clock  (sud=south, ouest=west, nord=north, est=east)



credit: antiques atlas


D/ POCKET WATCH with 24-HOUR DISPLAY & DUAL TIME HAND

This is the only example I've found with the same double complication as the Patek ref. 5224R: 24-hour display and second time zone. Notice how it's different from the last example, which has a second time zone hand, but a regular 12-hour display.















credit: mokumwatches 


Example with a 24h second time zone hand but with a regular 12-hour display for the time (hours & minutes) (English silver case with hallmarks for London 1884)









credit: atlam watches 

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5224

The Patek Philippe Reference 5224R-001, introduced in 2022, presents a distinctive take on the travel time complication by integrating a 24-hour display. This model deviates from the traditional day/night indicators often found in dual time zone watches, offering a more direct and continuous reading of the home time. Its design emphasizes legibility and a refined aesthetic, positioning it as a sophisticated option for collectors seeking a practical yet understated travel watch from the brand. The integration of a 24-hour scale on the main dial is a notable characteristic.

This reference features a rose gold case, measuring 42 mm in diameter. It houses the self-winding caliber 31-260 PS FUS 24H, which is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement incorporates a platinum micro-rotor, contributing to its slim profile and efficient winding. The dial is presented in a blue-gray hue, providing a subtle contrast with the rose gold case. The sapphire crystal on the front ensures clear visibility of the dial.

The 5224R-001 appeals to collectors who appreciate Patek Philippe's technical innovations and a departure from more conventional designs. The choice of rose gold and the specific dial color contribute to its distinct character within the brand's contemporary offerings. Its double complication, combining a 24-hour display with travel time, offers a functional advantage for frequent travelers while maintaining a high level of horological craftsmanship.

Specifications

Caliber
31-260 PS FUS 24H
Case
Rose gold
Diameter
42 mm
Dial
Blue-gray
Water Resist.
30 m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AU
AuHavrePro
Mar 6, 2025
I have never known this one. Thank you so much for the exhaustive introduction!! =)

QU
quattro
Mar 6, 2025
I’m glad if this post brought something new!

Best, Emmanuel

OR
orahu
Mar 6, 2025
Great series of photos of the Travel Time. It really glows with warmth!

QU
quattro
Mar 6, 2025
Absolutely!

The warm blue and rose gold work very fine together. Best, Emmanuel

SE
seabas132
Mar 6, 2025
Great

writing as always. I agree that the 5224R hits many nice points and has a uniqueness to it that is intriguing. I just want to see it in person to see how the 42mm wears in person to see if worth considering.

QU
quattro
Mar 6, 2025
I still have to try it on too, someday!

And I still wonder if the 24-hour display would do it for me on a daily basis. Best, Emmanuel

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