Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time Ref 5520R

Patek Philippe has a rich history of developing watches that aid travelers in managing time across multiple time zones, beginning with the introduction of the World Time watch in the 1930s, which featured a date display aligned with local time. By the late 1950s, the brand had introduced the Travel Time system, allowing for the display of dual time zones.Patek Philippe's tradition of creating versatile timepieces for travelers is exemplified by the latest release of the Alarm Travel Time watch. Introduced in a platinum version in 2019, the brand now presents a new iteration, the 5520 in rose gold with a warm gray dial, known as the 5520RG. This model shifts away from the earlier platinum and black dial version, adopting a softer, more accessible aesthetic that has been warmly received by the watch community.The 42.2mm case, with a thickness of 11.6mm, is expertly crafted from18k rose gold, showcasing a polished finish that highlights the luxurious aesthetic. This case sets a distinctive standard for Patek Philippe's chiming watches, being among the few to offer any water resistance. The prominent and visually striking pushers contribute to a unique and somewhat polarizing appearance, with tubes made from white gold that enhance the "two-tone" effect acknowledged by the brand.On the flipside, the sapphire exhibition caseback allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement, featuring a white gold oscillating weight decorated with the Patek Philippe seal. Both sapphire crystal and solid gold casebacks are provided, allowing for personal customization.The Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time 5520RG incorporates sophisticated functions with remarkable ease of use, designed to offer both local and home time tracking alongside a unique alarm feature. The watch has a three-position crown and additional pushers that control various functions. The crown, when pulled to its first position, allows for the bidirectional setting of the alarm time in 15-minute increments. In its second position, it facilitates the setting of the local time, complete with a stop-second feature for precise time synchronization. The pushers on the case are specially designed for intuitive operation: the pusher at 2 o'clock toggles the alarm on or off, while those on the left side of the case adjust the local time in one-hour increments, either forward or backward. This makes it exceptionally practical for travelers adjusting to new time zones. Furthermore, the watch includes a day/night indicator for both local and home time to prevent any confusion across different time zones. The alarm mechanism is a highlight, capable of ringing for approximately 35 seconds when triggered, with a sound produced by a classic gong struck by a hammer, adding a traditional touch to this innovative timepiece. All topped by a box-shaped sapphire crystal. Water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet).Time is exhibited on a charcoal gray dial that features white printed indices and large applied luminescent Arabic numerals, ensuring excellent legibility. The dial's complexity is augmented by a newly enlarged minutes railroad track that now includes numerals for the tenths. This adjustment has slightly repositioned the numerals, enhancing the visual balance with the bell-shaped alarm indicator and the date sub-dial, integrated seamlessly at 6 o'clock.The sword-shaped central hour/minute hands are charcoal-colored with luminescent coating for visibility in low light. The home time hour hand is distinctively charcoal and skeletonized, creating a subtle contrast without luminescence, to differentiate it from the local time indication.Additional complications include a bell-shaped aperture at the top, serving as the alarm activation/deactivation indicator, and a day/night indicator for both local and home time.

Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time Ref 5520RG

The “Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time” (Ref#: 5520RG-001) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber AL 30-660 S C FUS, equipped with 52 jewels, a high-frequency balance, and 28,800 vph. The movement is designed for ease of use with clear markings on the pushers to prevent accidental settings and includes a robust day/night indicator alongside the alarm function. Power reserve can last up to 52 hours when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a chestnut calfskin strap with a vintage finish, secured to the wrist by a rose gold clevis prong buckle, complementing the overall design.For more up-to-date information, visit the official Patek Philippe website here.

Patek Philippe, Alarm, Travel Time, Watches & Wonders, Luxury Watches