Following up the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524 that was released in 2015, Patek Philippe has introduced a simple three-hand version within the same collection. The Calatrava Pilot Ref. 5522 New York Special Edition is presented in the same size case, but with less going on it seems to work much better visually.
The fact that it is being offered in stainless steel makes it more of a true sports watch, not to mention, more accessibly priced. This is great, especially considering we asked for this in 2015 when the original 5524 came out, “Steel would have been ideal for this watch. Especially, if it is being marketed to attract a newer, younger consumer.”
The case measures 42 mm in diameter (45.5 mm including the crown) by 50.25 mm in length by 8.78 mm in thickness, and with a 21 mm interlug width. Water-resistance is 60 meters.
Like the aforementioned 5524, the dial is made of brass and has a matte blue lacquered finish with prominent 18K gold applied Arabic numerals as well as broad blued steel baton-shaped hour and minute hands, and finally an aluminum center seconds hand in white and blue with a skeletonized counterweight and lollipop at the tip. All punctuated by luminescent material.
Inside is an in-house automatic caliber 324 S which measures 27 mm x 3.3 mm, runs at 4Hz, has 182 components, 29 jewels, and a 45-hour power reserve. Finishing includes Geneva stripes, perlage, and beveled and polished edges.
Also, notably, the regulator utilizes Patek’s Gryomax balance wheel and Spiromax balance spring, meaning they are both made of silicium which is lighter and more durable than traditional materials. A 21K gold central rotor winds the mainspring unidirectionally.
The watch is reminiscent of vintage Patek Philippe aviator’s watches and so it is presented with a brown calfskin leather with contrast stitching inspired by the harnesses on flight suits. Even the stainless steel clevis prong buckle resembles belt buckles that pilots use to secure their survival kits.
Launched at the Patek Philippe The Art of Watches Grand Exhibition at Cipriani in New York City, which begun last week and ends July 23rd, the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Ref. 5522 New York Special Edition is limited to 600 pieces, and features a sapphire crystal caseback is laser engraved with:
“PATEK PHILLIPPE NEW YORK 2017.” (Ref. 5522A-001) The retail price is $21,547.
