Yasuharu Abe's Patek Philippe Theory - No. 92 - "Alarm Travel Time" "Ref. 5520P-001"

Good evening everyone.

In this issue of Patek Philippe, we would like to introduce the "extraordinary model" "Alarm Travel Time" "Ref. 5520P-001" , which is the first to arrive at Commit Ginza (hereinafter referred to as our store). Please enjoy until the end.

"Alarm Travel Time"
"Ref.5520P-001" Platinum

The Alarm Travel Time (Ref. 5520P-001), announced as a new model in 2019, looks like the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time (Ref. 5524) at first glance, but is a completely different watch.

There are push buttons on both sides of the case, two small windows with numbers below the 12 o'clock position on the dial, and two display windows above and below them. The dial is an ebony black sunburst, and the case is a heavy platinum case. When you understand each and every detail, you can tell that this is no ordinary watch.

The reason for these detailed features is that, as the model name suggests, it is equipped with an alarm mechanism in addition to the conventional travel time mechanism.

Display and Functions

Here, I would like to explain the display and functions. It is a little complicated, so I hope you will read it carefully and understand it.

First, there is a display window just below the 12 o'clock index. If you look closely, you will see that it is shaped like a bell. This indicates whether the alarm is on or off, with ON = white and OFF = black. To switch between on and off, use the push button at the 2 o'clock position. When you wind the crown at the 4 o'clock position clockwise, the alarm spring is wound up, and the alarm cannot be turned on unless it is fully wound.

Next, there are two small windows below the bell. These represent the alarm time. It can be set in 15-minute increments up to 23 hours in advance. The small window on the left represents the "time" and only shows the time up to 12 o'clock, but the day/night indicator window below the two small windows lets you know the set time (6AM - 6PM = white, 6PM - 6AM = blue). The alarm time can be set by pulling the crown at the 4 o'clock position one notch forward or backward.

This crown at the 4 o'clock position is used to wind the mainspring for the alarm, set the alarm time, and even adjust the time. Pulling the crown up two notches will adjust the time, and returning it to its original position and turning it counterclockwise will wind the movement (mainspring). To avoid damaging the movement, the instruction manual says to wind the mainspring about 20 times, check that the local day/night indicator at the 9 o'clock position on the dial is white, and then set the time to 7am and adjust it. My head is about to explode already. (lol)

Next, the push button on the left side of the case operates in the same way as the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time. To change the time zone (operate the skeleton hour hand), press the push button at 8 o'clock to advance one hour, and press the push button at 10 o'clock to advance one hour. The color (white/blue) of the display window at 9 o'clock for the local time (LOCAL) and 9 o'clock for the departure time (HOME) lets you know whether it is day or night.

Movement

If you look at the newly developed movement, "Cal.AL 30-660 SC FUS," you will notice that it has a structure similar to that of a minute repeater.

That's because when the alarm time comes, a hammer strikes a gong for about 35 seconds, making a sound. The alarm sound is, as you'd expect from Patek Philippe. It's reminiscent of the sound of a minute repeater and is very beautiful. I think this will completely change the way people imagine watches with alarm functions up until now. I'd love to wake up every day to this wonderful sound. (laughs)

buckle

The beautiful black calfskin strap is complemented by a heavy platinum pin buckle. I think it is a fitting specification for a special model with a complex mechanism.

Accessories, condition, price

[Accessories] *Complete

The leather pass case that holds the warranty documents is extra large and luxurious. This is often the case for ultra-class watches, but to be honest, I still can't tell for sure which models have this specification. (lol) The box is designed so that the additional closed back (back cover) and the setting pin for adjusting the calendar can be set in, so the accessories are complete.

【situation】

The condition is very good and well-kept. The warranty date is 2021, so the manufacturer's warranty period is still remaining, which is reassuring.

【price】

The official domestic sales price is 29,887,000 yen (tax included)
The selling price at our store is 27,489,000 yen (tax included) .

It seems that the domestic regular sales price of [Patek Philippe] will be revised from February. For high-priced models, the price difference will be quite large, so if you are thinking about buying one, now is the time. There are very few units for sale both domestically and overseas, so this is a model that I highly recommend.

summary

What did you think.

Just after the New Year, we have been receiving a steady stream of attractive Patek Philippe models. Unfortunately, they often sell out before we can introduce them to you, but we also have many rare models that are hard to find on the market, so we hope you will come and see them for yourself.

So please look forward to next week.

see you!