Patek Philippe wows with the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph in white gold
D.C. Hannay- Patek Philippe embarks on a new route for Watches & Wonders 2023 with two new versions of its Calatrava Pilot Travel Time.
- In addition to the second time zone, there’s the added complication of a flyback chronograph.
- Two dial colours are offered, both cased in polished white gold.
The new Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph brings a flyback chronograph to the line for the first time, and it’s a lovely looking thing indeed. Patek’s Travel Time watches are, of course, useful, with a unique way of displaying a second time zone that includes day/night indications on the dial instead of the bezel.
Now with the addition of the chronograph, the dial gains a better balance, with the 60-minute counter at 6, and the date indicator dial at 12. Pushers that were at 8 and 10 on the original Calatrava Pilot Travel Time are now moved to 2 and 4, controlling the chronograph instead of the local time.
You’re going to want to peek at the manual to learn how to set everything (I did), for which Patek helpfully includes a special “correction stylus”. In order to facilitate setting the local time, as well as advancing the date, there’s a series of recessed buttons at 8, 10, and 12:30. While this keeps the case from an ungainly profile with the addition of three extra pushers, it requires the stylus to make adjustments. Whether this is an issue to you is a matter of personal preference: perhaps a low profile pushbutton would have been a more elegant solution, but I’m sure Patek thought the recessed button was the better choice.
With the functional details out of the way, this is a spectacularly handsome watch, available in either a lacquered military green or gorgeous blue-grey sunburst dial. The cathedral hands and Arabic indices are similar to the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time’s, and are lume-filled white gold. The white home time hour hand is skeletonised, hiding under the solid local time hour hand when not in use. Local and home time dial apertures indicate day or night in white or blue, respectively.
The 42mm case is solid white gold, fully polished, and while clearly a full-on luxury timepiece, it maintains that classic pilot’s watch look. Case height is 13.05mm, and water resistance checks in at 30 metres. Both variants get a calfskin strap, colour matched to the blue or green dial.
Finishing is flawless throughout, and that includes the Caliber CH 28‑520 C FUS automatic movement on display through the sapphire caseback. With fine decorative detailing and a Calatrava Cross-engraved 21K gold rotor, it’s as lovely as you’d expect from Patek. The movement runs at 28,800 VpH, has 34 jewells, and a 55 hour power reserve. The flyback chronograph is a column wheel design that utilises a vertical clutch.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph pricing and availability:
The Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph is available now, with both dial variants retailing for US$75,700.
| Brand | Patek Philippe |
| Model | Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 13.05mm (T) |
| Case Material | White gold |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Dial | Blue-grey sunburst, lacquered military green |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Bracelet/Strap | Calfskin, blue or green |
| Movement | Caliber CH 28‑520 C FUS automatic |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, date, second time zone, day/night indicator, flyback chronograph, 60-minute counter |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$75,700 |