Hands-On: replica Patek Philippe Watches Ref. 5524 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
Effectively a new dial and case metal for an existing reference, initially launched in white gold and blue dials, what’s really interesting about this new version of the Calatrava Pilot’s Travel Time is how it’s launched and the sister piece it comes with. Incredibly, Patek Philippe finally joined the modern world of social media just a week before Baselworld 2018, and their first big announcement via the channel was this new product, along with a 37.5mm diameter " Ladies Edition”, known as the Referee. 7234R. Both sizes are powered by the same movement, and frankly, both are within the conservative size range and can be worn by either gender without issue. Since the pair of chocolate brown stones are very similar except for their diameter, we will focus on the larger of the two stones: Ref. 5524 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time.
Vital statistics
First of all, when the pictures of the new Calatrava Pilot replica watches for sale were released, I wasn't too happy about it. When the original Calatrava Pilot surfaced, there was considerable debate as to what exactly Patek Philippe was getting into by entering this space. The brand did produce some pilot watches at the time, but not on the scale seen from brands like Zenith, IWC or even Breguet. Putting aside the pedigree debate for a moment and just focusing on the product execution, the brand has done a fantastic job with the new release. The combination of its bright and reflective matte brown dial and warm pink gold case is perfect for personal use, much better than the brown/gold combination we saw on Rolex’s just-launched Everose GMT. From a functionality perspective, the 324 SC FUS movement remains one of the more practical/thoughtful dual-time movements currently on the market, with the ability to quickly set local time, which can be advanced or delayed using a pair of buttons on the left side of the shell. Still, its power reserve is below current industry standards of 35 to 45 hours.
wear on wrist
Frankly, I didn’t really expect to like the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time on my wrist, but after wearing it briefly at a press event, this new watch turned out to be a pleasant surprise. At 42mm in diameter and 10.78mm thick, it does feel a little chunky compared to much of the Patek Philippe catalogue, but it's still on the more modest end of the scale for a pilot's style watch. People like to compare this watch to the Zenith Type 20; however, aside from the numerals and hands, these watches are miles apart. In my experience, the biggest stumbling block with every Type 20 is their flatness and awkwardness on smaller wrists – a problem that doesn’t exist at all with the Calatrava Pilot. That said, the two pieces are also far apart in terms of finish, so only a fool would consider cross-shopping the two. Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon
Who is it for?
Fans of the brand want something casual yet practical. Oh, and brown. You must really like brown.
Any surprises?
The paired release of the two sizes is certainly shocking, although the brand would have been better off avoiding direct references to gender when releasing them.'
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