Samwan reflects on a significant year of Patek Philippe acquisitions, showcasing a diverse collection that includes the 5270R, 5270G, 5170G, 5905P, and the controversial 5524G. His post offers a personal perspective on these pieces, particularly the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time, and invites community discussion on expanding a high-end collection.
As 2015 quickly drawing to a close in a few hours' time, I reflected on the acquisitions I made during the year...and soon came to realize that it was a prominent year of Patek, for me.
Rather inexplicably, I found this year's offering attractive and soon pulled the trigger on the 5270R, 5270G (blue dial), 5170G (white dial), 5905P (black dial), as they surfaced one by one. Then on Christmas eve, my dealer posed a question (was he Santa Claus in disguise?) - Would I be interested in the 5524G, the controversial and much-talked-about Calatrava Pilot watch? I have to confess that I was not initially drawn when I saw the pictures, but it started to grow on me after Patek;s exhibition in Hong Kong and I had a chance to put it on my wrist. After an anxious wait of a few days, viola...just in time for the New Year celebrations, perfect!
First impressions - I love the rich, textured-blue dial and the Superluminova-filled Arabic hour markers housed in white gold. Quite foolishly, I forgot to show the skeleton hand (depicting time for home town) in this picture. Note the date display at 6 o'clock at three-day intervals.
It features a 324 S C Fus movement, identical to the one used in 5164A (Aquanaut travel time)
The strap is made of vintage brown calf skin, with contrasting stitches. It is accompanied by a white gold buckle
At 42 mm in diameter (and 11 mm in thickness), the watch is very comfortable and feels rather substantial on the wrist
I have a nice problem - my box for Pateks is now full and I will have to put this one someplace else....or should I part with one of them?
Allow me to take this opportunity to wish everyone a prosperous and healthy year in 2016!
Sam
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5270
The Patek Philippe Grand Complications reference 5270 is a perpetual calendar chronograph, succeeding the highly regarded reference 5970. It represents a significant evolution in Patek Philippe's grand complications lineup, being the first perpetual calendar chronograph to feature an in-house developed movement. This transition from a modified Nouvelle Lemania base caliber to a fully integrated Patek Philippe movement marks a notable advancement in the brand's technical independence and horological prowess. The 5270 maintains the classic aesthetic of its predecessors while introducing subtle design refinements.
The reference 5270 is housed in a 41 mm case, available in 18k white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold. The case design is characterized by a concave bezel and two-tier lugs, contributing to its distinctive profile. It is powered by the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS Q, an integrated chronograph movement with a perpetual calendar mechanism. This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and is protected by a sapphire crystal, ensuring water resistance up to 30 meters.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a modern interpretation of a classic grand complication from Patek Philippe. Its in-house movement and refined case details distinguish it within the brand's offerings. Multiple dial variants have been produced, including silver, blue, and opaline, providing collectors with a range of aesthetic choices. The 5270 continues the tradition of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar chronographs, offering a blend of technical sophistication and traditional design.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS Q
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- Multiple variants available
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Reference 5524
The Reference 5524 represents Patek Philippe's Calatrava Pilot Travel Time model in 18k white gold with black dial configuration. This 42mm reference distinguishes itself within the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time range through its precious metal case construction and contrasting dial color combination.
The watch features a 42mm case crafted from 18k white gold with polished bezel treatment. The black dial is protected by sapphire crystal, with the case offering 60-meter water resistance. The automatic Caliber 324 S C movement provides 45 hours of power reserve. The watch is completed with a calfskin leather strap secured by a fold-over clasp.
In production since 2015, the Reference 5524 appeals to collectors seeking a larger-format Patek Philippe dress watch with travel functionality. The white gold case material and 42mm diameter position this reference within the contemporary segment of the manufacture's catalog, catering to preferences for substantial case presence and precious metal construction.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 324 S C
- Case
- 18k White Gold
- Diameter
- 42 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 60m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5905
Patek Philippe Reference 5905 Annual Calendar Chronograph
The Reference 5905 represents Patek Philippe's integration of annual calendar and flyback chronograph complications within their contemporary collection. This model combines the practical annual calendar function with chronograph timing capabilities, positioning it among the manufacturer's multi-complication offerings produced from 2015 to present.
The 42mm case is constructed in 18k white gold with polished bezel treatment and sapphire crystal protection. The automatic Caliber CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H provides the timekeeping and complication functions, delivering 45-55 hours of power reserve. The black dial is fitted to a leather strap, with water resistance rated to 30 meters.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking Patek Philippe's combination of calendar and chronograph functions in a larger case format. The 42mm sizing and white gold construction distinguish it within the annual calendar range, while the flyback chronograph capability adds operational versatility for timing applications.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H
- Case
- 18k White Gold
- Diameter
- 42 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
