Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVIII

1 8 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I F or 175 years without interruption, Patek Philippe has been perpetuating the historical tradition of Genevan watchmaking. As the last family- owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva, it enjoys total creative freedom to entirely design, produce and assemble what experts agree to be among the finest timepieces in the world. Loyally following the original vision of its founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe, and as a result of its exceptional know-how, Patek Philippe maintains a tradition of innovation hailed by an impressive repertoire of more than 100 patents. And over the past nearly 80 years, Patek Philippe has defied time zones with consummate ease. In 1959, its patented Travel Time mechanism became its own iconic feature, and in 1996 it attained a new level of perfection. When the local time hand is moved forwards or backwards in one-hour increments, an isolator uncouples the time-zone mechanism from the mainmovement. These adjustments therefore have no influence on the amplitude of the balance or the regularity with which it oscillates, hence the watch’s precision is unperturbed. This sophisticated device has been incorporated into the 324 S C FUS calibre inside the newCalatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524 with centre seconds, date shown by hand, and a heavy central rotor in 21K gold. In a quest for constant innovation, this refined mechanism is fitted with a Gyromax® balance with a patented geometry Spiromax® balance spring, so as to guarantee the extreme precision and reliability required by the Patek Philippe Seal. The hands are made from blued steel and the Arabic markers are made generously luminescent for use in low light visibility. The supplemental hour hand can also be hidden beneath the main hour hand when required. The Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524 is a sturdy, masculine and solid watch. The dial is created in a very dark blue lacquer that has a stylish grey hue in all but brightest-lit environments. A robust and exciting timepiece that combines classic good looks with incredible, functional technology and craftsmanship.