For Watches & Wonders in 2023, Patek Philippe went all out with a full 17 new models. Doing the numbers, they’ve posted over 10% of their current catalog in the last 24 hours. Among this whirlwind of additions are two standouts from the Complications line. Reference 5924G, these white gold pilot’s watches represent not only true aviation timepieces, but Patek Philippe’s astonishing embrace of utilitarian style.
Watch aficionados will remember the 5226G released last year, which was a far cry from the formal, dressy look that Calatrava has had since its inception. Fully illuminated numerals are an obvious addition to a pilot’s watch, but the Calatrava? never. Or so we thought. Typically, Patek Philippe’s designers have a good sense of when a change is needed, and thus, the 5226G was born. Returning to the birthplace of the 5226G watch, Patek Philippe has enhanced its already formidable collection of complications. The addition of a chronograph function (combined with existing features that made the watch stand out when it was relaunched in 2015) makes the new 5924G watches more than haute horlogerie cheese – these are serious aviation watches selection replica.
Due to the extensive standardization of movements, it was not easy to find a pilot’s watch that offered both chronograph and GMT functions in a case under 42mm. For that, pilots (whether real or aspiring) must look to watchmaking heaven, where the “big boys” produce such complex mechanisms in-house. Patek Philippe’s clumsily named Caliber CH 28-520 C FUS is one such engine, complete with everything and the kitchen sink: flyback chronograph with 60-minute counter, date subdial, and—crucially— of – two time zones. Putting all of this together (plus lume) means it’s a very useful tool, rarely seen in watchmaking. Of course, the next time you board a Spirit Airlines flight, it’s unlikely you’ll see someone peeking out of the cockpit, but you never know – keep an eye out anyway.
Model: Complications 5924G
Dimensions: Diameter 42mm, Thickness 13.05mm
Water resistance: 30 meters
Case Material: Platinum
Movement: Caliber CH 28‑520 C FUS, automatic. Flyback chronograph. Central chronograph hands. 60-minute counter. Two time zones: local time and home time indication. The day/night display of local time and home time is displayed in the window. Date with local time added manually.
Power reserve: 55 hours
Strap/bracelet: khaki green antiqued finish or navy blue grained calfskin. U-shaped fork clasp.