Mark in Paris
[Purist]
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There is a lot to discuss on this topic
Firstly, thank you for sharing your honest opinion about what you think on the market.
I guess the demand evolves very much (for the last decade at elast) and that Patek Philippe has expanded its offer. It is a matter of increasing the qualified workforce I think more that an annual production volume.
As for the finishing etc, as you said there are the Grand COmplication but from what I've seen from 15 to 25 K€ pieces, the movement (for instance) looks much better than the entry level movement in its competitors.
Maybe it will not always seem perfect but compared to other brands making much less volume, it is not necessary "less".
But there is always room for improvement and you may also be right. I'm just trying to bring a different point of view on that matter.
To follow your "car" industry parallel, I would say that if they do it then it means people want it. This may be difficult to understand for some watch collectors but maybe others share a different appeal for this reference (even if many will share yours I think as it is the kind of watch which will bring controversy).
As I said earlier, imho, this is a sporty Calatrava "inspired" by pilot watches but is not a pilot toolwatch (material, size, rough finishing etc...). That's how I understand it.
But I fully understand your reaction which is perfectly legitimate.
Thank you for your honest thoughts about this watch, it is nice to hear people not in agreement expressing it a respectful way.
Cheers kpk, Mark
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Opinion and review on the 2015 Patek Philippe 5524G Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
Gentlemen, Under the nice Parisian weather, I felt it was a nice moment to share my opinion and that we could have a talk about the new 2015 Patek Philippe 5524G Calatrava Pilot Travel Time I could see several weeks ago (a special thanks to Magnus for pro...
I was very upset when I saw the first Baselworld 2015 report
and I heard that so were many people working for Patek. Interestingly, many who decided based on first impression to hate this watch, changed their minds 180 degrees after playing with the same. I am not convinced. However, I will pick up two new watches ...
Don't be! It is normal not every watch appeal to us the same way
This is a particular model and won't be appealing to everyone. There are plenty of nice references out there and you know many of them :) Of course, it is normal to feel concerned about every references, even the ones we don't like. Tell us what you think...
I didn't change my mind on it. I still don't get this watch.
Sorry to say, but I don't see anything special on this watch. The automatic movement is, well, ordinary looking, the case is so so, the dial is not very inspired. Well, I just don't get it, but this is just my opinion. At Patek, they made and make some ap...
Perfectly understandable
For someone with your experience and references, this is far to be an easy one to understand. And you not the only one in that case. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion Nicolas. Cheers, Mark
Personally....
I prefer, mechanically, the JLC Autotractor in the "Hometime." JLC didn't do a Pilot version of the Compressor, but easily could have. I don't think the 5524 is "brilliant," but like the Aquanaut, I think many a man's initial "revolt" will soften over tim...
IMHO
It looks well executed in terms of finishing and movement, which is the least one would expect of a PP watch. For my taste, though, the design is a disaster, owing much to the sword hands and pushers. If I were out there for the complications this watch h...
So would I
because I'm a great Nautilus fan. Concerning the pushers and hands thing, it is something that will certainly disturb collectors who are used to wearing Pateks. But I think we can nearly say, more or less, that they "had to be" designed that way. Thanks f...
So would I...
and so I did. As for the Pilot, I didn't like it when it was first introduced and I still do not. The pushers are not only large (excusable) but impractical since they need to be unscrewed to be used. White Gold instead of steel belies the "Pilot" or "too...
Future direction of the brand
This reference brings naturally several questions indeed. Time will help to see more clearly how it "lives" in the whole collection. Just a little correction to begin with: the pushers are not screwed on the 5524. It is much practical that way indeed. I a...
Valid points, Mark.
We can agree to disagree. I thought the pushers needed to be unscrewed before they can be pushed, no?
It is difficult to find the right answer
but from the pics and articles I could see it really seems to be normal pushers. Cheers, mark
If the watch looked like the 3rd Picture...
...and only the third picture, I think I would like it 10x better. The pushers on the left-hand side of the case are too much of an eyesore for an otherwise nice looking pilot watch inspired from the designs of the 20's and 30's.
Funny you say that
as I like this one too and the 7th a little bit more. Of course, in general, the "live" experience is compeltly different from pictures and I'm sure you would like it more it you could try it on. As I told Ed, I think the pushers are quite the ones which ...
mixed feelings
although at first look, i liked this watch, it reminds me a bit of a blancpain leman, and i think the latter is better executed. i'm not commenting on quality of finish here, just the spirit/style. something ineffable. on the good side, this patek has gre...
first of all, many thanks Mark for this review
beside the discussion concerning the "right" for Patek to make or not a pilot watch, which is for me a "non debate", I had the opportunity to try this watch, and really nothing happened. end of it
This is good common sense CH'
and to everyone to see if we "feel" it or not. There are many others fishes in the see of Patek! Thanks for the kind comments CH'. Cheers, Mark
To me it looks like the hands are indeed
from Blancpain Leman. But I'm afraid that for the time being I like Blancpain more. Best, Kari ...
We all have our references
However, except the general hands shape and maybe some numerals, I personally can't see a common origin. But the Leman has more standard dimensions, which make it more acceptable maybe for someone who is not into the 5524. We all have our experience and I...
you have to see it on the wrist
When I saw the 5524G first on pictures I had a so so feeling, not bad but not wow also, first of all let me say that I love pilot watches, had an IWC big pilot in the past, a smaller IWC pilot chrono, Zenith type XX and Stratos , Breguet type XXI, .... we...
I totally agree
and I think you summarized the whole thing perfectly Patrick. Certainly better on the wrist and if it doesn't "match" then there are plenty of references beside this model. But this is not a mistake to me either. Thank you for your interesting view on the...
Thanks a lot Mark for this article
It's a watch that certainly deserved such a post. Trying to understand and underline the main points. Your photos are great and shows very well the watch. I still don't like it, especially the pushers, the complexity of the dial with "local" and "home", t...
Something different
The pushers seems indeed to be something which bothers many of you here. On the other hand, people usually like the grainy dial look :) I'm also curious to see what people will think about it in 10 years from now. Thanks for chimming in about the 5524 and...
Date changes: forward and backward
Hi, "Firstly and most important, the hour hand is able to go forward or backward (with the pushers at 9 o'clock) and the date will then be following the hour hand passing midnight, hence forward and backward too. This is a major design and this is what ma...
Yes indeed they do
but it remains a very rare feature and a unique example concerning Patek Philippe! Cheers Wover, Mark
It's a pilot watch. Hometime complication.
Have not seen it up close. But its understandable to be big. Other brands have 45 mm go 48 even 50 , its like a wall clock on your wrist. Too much. This patek is understandable go 42 mm cause its made for aviators who wear gloves , a tool watch for the ma...
Well born
I agree Geross, this size makes it much more wearable to most of the people who are interested by pilot watches. We share the same approach about the watch, it is special and corresponds to a specific use/taste. Thanks for sharing your opinion Geross. Che...
Will not sell...
like hot cookie...but will fetch amazing figures on auctions in future Just my 2 HRK Cheers D
I think this is what drove the project
It is meant to attract a very small niche of people who would like to go for something very different, but still with Patek's criteria. Thanks Damjan for your input! Cheers, Mark
hard to get
I think they are very hard to get now and will always be so because production will be limited and geared to demand, unlike some recent flops.
First of all many thankss Mark for this comprehensive review
I am afraid that after few months I still don't fall in love with it. I was lucky enough to try it on the PP booth at Basel and as CH mentioned nothing happened really, apart from being surprised that it carries PP name... And because there are so many ot...
My pleasure Mike!
You feeling is shared by many of the replies I can read. This is certainly a watch that will be appealing to a very particular target for sure. We'll see maybe in the near future how the potential clients (which part of the world, age etc...) will move on...
Mark, thanks very much for this detailed re[port
I have not seen this model in real life and it is difficult for mr to comment but my first impressions are still "WTF"?? I have bought a few PP sight unseen and have not been disappointed but I would be loathe to lay down my hard earned dollars on this pi...
You're welcome Julian :)
This was certainly a big surprise for everyone in Basel. I understand this is really not, yet, something for you and there are many other great references to compete with. I would say you really have to want a pilot or tool watch to start thinking about t...
Great review Mark, thank you!
When I first saw the 5524G I was shocked and thought it was a big miss. Recently I had the pleasure to see it in real life and I actually quite like it. The size is just perfect IMHO. Usually I really don't like the Pilot watches because the are simply to...
You're welcome H!
The first "cold" impression is something many have shared here too. And the experience to see it in the metal, also improved our opinion (at least for some of us). The kind of Patek people are not looking for at first, but will come maybe to think about a...
Although not for my taste,
you gotta love the 324 caliber. This piece, to me, is kind of like U Boat meets IWC meets Graham meets Shinola = 5524. Perhaps if I saw it in the metal I may change my mind but ~ I doubt it. To those who love it, great! That's what this forum is all about...
Among all the widely produced auto movements
I think the 324 is the high-end workhorse caliber I prefer: the finishing but also the bridges' shape and decoration which is light and not looking "heavy". You 5524 equation is quite original! And I think it is much more than that. You'll tell us when yo...
Pictures don't always do a piece justice.
Perhaps seeing it in the metal and playing with it a bit may change my opinion and perspective ~ if one ver makes it to Hawaii. :-) Aloha, Bob
Hope you'll be able to play with one Bob
and please share your experience then! Cheers, mark
should have been in steel
I have to confess, the first pictures I got before it was announced at Basel this year I thought it was a joke. This was NOT a Patek. A few days later when it was indeed showed at Basel I still was confused. But that changed. Didn't take too long before I...
Your surprise was shared for sure
Congratulations to your friend and we'll be very interested in knowing about your feedback Bruno. And I'm sure we'll have those beautiful shots of yours too :) As for the material, well, I think that Steel has a special place in Patek's history and it is ...
This is the new nautilus and very hard to get so please
To the naysayers do not worry: this is an incredibly difficult watch to get (huge waiting list here in Switzerland) so I found it amusing that so many say "I wouldn't want one...this is not patek" -- you can certainly not like it but this is the new nauti...
I share your excitation
but maybe not the fact it is the new "Nautilus" (depends in which way though). But I find it is certainly the new very sporty and casual watch from Patek. It will look so good on a strong man's wrist. It is well made and has its own character and I'm sure...
I really like this watch....
thank you for the in depth review. Happy wearing! Best Edward
Thank you Edward
I like it too very much as long as it is worn the right way. I would really see it with a smart casual outfit. It's a very nice travelers watch. Cheers, Mark
Any other name on the dial and it would be a nonstarter! IMHO
And so utterly ridiculous that it's in white gold! Don't know any professional pilots that could afford it ;) But the review and the beautiful pictures is much appreciated :) Cheers, Kamy
Even in steel...
I guess it would not pass the procurement process of any armed forces or airlines. Price would be prohibitive. As a conversation piece, I guess it was a genius move on Patek's side. Cheers, Magnus
Well Kamy,
I'm not sure it is a watch "made for" pilots but more a real sporty (for casual wearing) Patek inspired by pilot watches. It won't pelase to the majority, at least for now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Cheers, Mark
It is the best value for money Patek: a wg watch for the price of a steel watch
I have not seen it yet but I liked it straight away. It is a nice traveller's watch and I am sure there are plenty of financially potent travellers in the league of Patek buyers. Further it is a very noble looking pilots watch and a true Patek in executio...
Well Moritz, we are completly in line baout this reference.
I added how I felt just before reading your comment and I totally agree with you. It is a "noble" (as you said) sporty watch and witha lot of character. It will suit to travelers in a very nice way. As you do, I would change the strap which is not my tast...
ADDENDUM: I added something at my conclusion
I forgot to include the way I see it and how it will behave in the future. Cheers, Mark
I love watches, period. And, not just Pateks.
Forget quality for the moment and considering cosmetics alone, there are other watches of similar style which are more appealing to me. I do like the dial, not crazy about the large pushers at all, even though I understand their purpose and necessity. For...
I think you sumed-up it very well
As long as someone is not hardly looking for this kind of watch, there will certainly be some others before in its wishlist. As for the future, I think it is a good test even if there are many current models that will occupy their team already. So, not ve...
Mark, as always your review is excellent. I am not a frequent
contributor on the PP forum though I am an owner. (I have possession of two ladies PP from the 70's and 80's belonging to my late-Mom.) - While I love PP as a brand and for its amazing history an back catalog, I have mixed feelings about modern PP. They t...
Agreed. 100%.
I do think Patek is becoming more concerned with making money these days, and this will come back to haunt it. The brand is still worthy of praise; and it still makes many marvelous watches. But the numbers of watches it makes today has to lead to downgra...
There is a lot to discuss on this topic
Firstly, thank you for sharing your honest opinion about what you think on the market. I guess the demand evolves very much (for the last decade at elast) and that Patek Philippe has expanded its offer. It is a matter of increasing the qualified workforce...
I love it...
... Even if at 1st sight i was disturbed by the 2 pushers at "9". Reminds me of the pushers of JLC... Felt it would look nicer without them. But overall its a nice watch. Finishing is great and well above any pilot watch. I think its a wrong debate about,...
I totally agree
we seem to share the same feeling about this novelty. However, this is also the kind of surprise that needs to appear in small touches and we shouldn't have too many at a time. Thanks for your feedback Fricks. Cheers, Mark
I don't have any Pateks in my collection
but if I were to get one, I wouldn't mind getting this one. Maybe I'm looking at it from "fresh" eyes, but I like what they've done here. Forget the lack of so-called "DNA" in that Patek never made a Pilot watch like this in their history. This watch sets...
You're touching a central point here
as people may come to Patek for the first time and not necessarily have a knowledge of all its rpevious pieces. To make this new reference, they created something instead of just getting inspiration from existing ones. I 100% agree with each of your point...
at first glance....
my reaction was shocking as I recall seeing it stick out like a sore thumb among the new offerings when announced. however I have to admit that looking at it from a distance I do not mind the look and spirit of the piece. But looking at it closer there ar...
This is indeed a watch leading to very personal reaction
even more so as it is very unusual for Patek. Thanks a lot for sharing your opinion Keks, this is definitely a watch that will not gather a consensus! Cheers, Mark