For its 2017 "Grand Exhibition - The Art of Watchmaking" at Cipriani in New York, Patek Philippe announced a new limited edition, time-only Calatrava reference, following the mildly controversial, yet broadly well-received from two years earlier. The 5522 embodied the same design principles of the original dual-time model, with a noticeably pared-back aesthetic, and was produced in limited numbers of 600, made exclusively for Patek’s North American retailers.
The 5522A has a rich, textured blue lacquer dial with Superluminova-filled Arabic hour markers - a clear nod to its practical heritage. 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), minimising its impact on the movement through the use of lightweight metal.
With a prominent presence on the wrist (42mm width and 9mm thick), the watch is a continuation of the 5524G’s striking profile, yet it wears very comfortably. The case for this limited edition is made of stainless steel, further reinforcing the practical aspects of the design.
The watch is powered by the caliber 324 S - Patek’s 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 the 5524, 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 is accompanied by its Certificate of Origin, which confirms its sale (date, month & year), as sold by Tiffany & Co. in New York. It comes with the Patek 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: | 42 mm stainless 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 and Tiffany-stamped paperwork |
