The Attention-grabbing Patek Philippe Alarm Journey Time 5520RG

Whereas pilot-style watches have now found a comfortable space of curiosity all through the fashionable Patek Philippe catalogue, the introduction of the Calatrava Pilot Journey Time 5524 in 2015 sparked additional than merely curiosity: it stirred a veritable commotion. Many have been shocked, feeling it was a departure from the on a regular basis Patek Philippe aesthetic. The design, markedly utterly totally different from the timeless selections of the Calatrava assortmentchallenged long-standing expectations. The controversy persevered no matter explanations about drawing inspiration from Patek Philippe’s historic previous of producing “hour-angle” or siderometer pilot’s watches for the navy inside the Thirties.

Nonetheless, the reference 5524 quickly grew to grow to be a convincing success for Patek Philippe. The medium-size (37.5mm) Calatrava Pilot Journey Time 7234R was launched in 2018, adopted by a white gold mannequin in 2020. Importantly, in 2019, Patek unveiled the Alarm Journey Time 5520P. Although the “Pilot” moniker was formally dropped, the gathering’ essence persevered. This timepiece retained the distinctive design and efficiency of the 5524 whereas introducing an extra complication: a 24-hour alarm mechanism with a digital present of the alarm time, accompanied by a hefty price tag correctly above 200k euros. Closing 12 months, Patek moreover launched a duo of Pilot Journey Time Chronographs beneath the reference 5924G.

A warmer, softer rose gold look

Fast-forward to at current and Patek introduces the latest iteration of the 5520, launched in a rose gold case with a warmth grey dial. In a departure from its earlier platinum case and black dial counterpart, this rendition exudes a softer, a lot much less “aggressive” aesthetic, and the 5520RG has been met with a notably hotter reception from the horological group.

The 5520RG case is form of utterly crafted from rose gold. No matter housing a large number of options inside a self-winding movement, it maintains a diameter of 42.2mm and a relatively slim profile of 11.6mm. Whereas its 30m water resistance couldn’t break info, it distinguishes the 5520 assortment because the one one among Patek Philippe’s chiming watches to produce any water resistance the least bit.

The polarizing 4-crown sort

The 4 excellent and intensely talked about pushers (giving this watch a extremely distinctive and polarising look) attribute tubes produced from white gold, incomes this reference a “two-tone” designation by the mannequin. The watch we expert has a sapphire crystal caseback, and PP offers a powerful gold risk, too – every are interchangeable and included with the watch.

Within the case of sporting comfort, the Alarm Journey Time is an pleasing piece to grace the wrist. Its pretty slim profile contributes to a pleasant sporting experience. The crown at 4 o’clock and pushers at 2, 8, and 10 o’clock, though visually excellent, don’t create an extreme quantity of discomfort or stress on the wrist. This 5520RG has a clear sporty-chic look; the magnificence to an superior deal could possibly be attributed to the number of case supplies and dial presentation.

A redefined, two-tone dial

The 5520RG’s grey dial encompasses an interesting sunburst finish, accentuated by a contrasting charcoal grey minutes observe and an equivalent date ring on the sub-dial positioned at 6 o’clock. This darker hue extends to the outline of the massive utilized luminescent Arabic numerals and the primary time palms. The sword-shaped native time hour and minutes palms boast a charcoal hue with luminescent coating, whereas the home time hour hand is charcoal and skeletonized, lacking luminescence. The central seconds hand and the date pointer at 6 o’clock are coloured white.

As compared with the distinctive platinum mannequin, this new rose gold 5520RG moreover comes with delicate updates on the dial. First, the minutes railroad observe has been enlarged and now choices numerals for the tenths. On account of this, the utilized Arabic numerals have been repositioned and attributable to nearer proximity with the bell-shaped alarm indicator and the date sub-dial, a couple of of them have been cut back… desire it or not.

Positioned below the 12 o’clock index, the alarm time window is framed by an rectangular rose-gilt design divided into two sections. The upper portion reveals double-digit hours (ranging from 01 to 12), whereas the lower half signifies minutes in 15-minute intervals (00-15-30-45). A small bell-shaped aperture sits above, serving as a result of the alarm activation/deactivation indicator, whereas a spherical indicator below denotes whether or not or not it’s day or night for the alarm. Furthermore, two spherical apertures for day/night indication are clearly marked for native and residential time.

Working the 5520RG

Coping with this Grand Complication timepiece (that’s how PP categorizes this watch, though it isn’t strictly speaking a grande complication) is logical, intuitive, and practically foolproof; understanding its operation turns into easy. Whenever you discern which hand corresponds to native or dwelling time, the markings on the pushers current clear steering for proper coping with. Moreover, the safety locks forestall unintentional settings, together with an extra layer of reassurance.

The pusher, positioned at 2 o’clock and that features a bell icon, prompts or deactivates the alarm. The three-position crown, positioned at 4 o’clock and adorned with the PP seal, offers versatile efficiency. When pushed in and turned clockwise, it winds the alarm mechanism; turning counter-clockwise winds the movement, with merely ten rotations providing ample power.

Pulling out the crown to position one facilitates the bidirectional setting of the alarm time in 15-minute increments. Pulling out to the second place permits a time setting, full with a stop-second carry out. On the left side of the case, the pushers allow for adjustment of native time in one-hour increments, forwards (marked by a plus sign) or backwards (marked by a minus sign). This attribute proves invaluable when traversing time zones, guaranteeing seamless modifications to match the required hour. The day/night indicators present additional readability to avoid confusion all through these modifications.

Lastly, synchronized with the native hand, the date could possibly be corrected using a selected corrector discreetly positioned on the case band near the lower left lug.

When the time comes for the alarm to sound, with its 30-second precision, the mechanism springs into movement. A conventional gong is struck by a hammer for roughly 35 seconds, producing a musical chime that resonates. Must the proprietor need to silence it prematurely, a simple press of the pusher at 2 o’clock will do the trick. Alternatively, if one prefers to let the alarm run its complete course, allowing it to proceed until the tip of the cycle, it ought to robotically swap into off mode. This transition is signalled by the bell-shaped indicator turning darkish, indicating that the alarm has achieved its course of.

In-house mechanics

The model new Patek Philippe 5520RG proudly boasts the equivalent AL 30-660 S C FUS calibre as its predecessor. Since we extensively coated its praises in the midst of the 5520P launch, let’s forgo the accolades now. Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that this movement maintains the perfect necessities of ending and precision. It operates with distinctive accuracy, ranging from -3 to +2 seconds per day, and boasts an affect reserve lasting between 42 to 52 hours.

Availability & Price

The chestnut calfskin strap with basic finish enhances the 5520RG, with the rose gold clevis prong buckle for closure. The price is EUR 257,100which is on the extent, considering the “Grand Complication” standing of the Alarm Journey Time 5520 assortment. The 5520 quickly transitioned from being the controversial and polarizing timepiece to a scorching collector’s merchandise, and it gained’t be prolonged sooner than it would get an iconic standing, for it is recognizable, quintessential and items an occasion for others to look at. Within the occasion that they dare and will.

For additional, go to patek.com.