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What sets this watch apart from its peers and more expensive Patek Philippe models is the finish of the movement. Forget the pilot's watch genre. Patek's blend of machine and hand finishing is far more convincing than the volume models of automatic chronographs from Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, FP Journe, Moser, and even Vacheron.
For example, the CTTP bevel is not elaborate, but it looks round instead of straight, and mirror-like instead of machined with milling marks. Marks like this are surprisingly common on watches priced over $50,000, but this shouldn't be the case. Advantage, Patek.
That said, Patek's exclusive luxury models like the hand-wound 5172 spend even more time on the details. Additionally, Patek has a clear separation between vertical and horizontal clutch chronographs. Since the latter has far more visible mechanisms, Patek has spent far more time embellishing these components for the owner's enjoyment.
Automatic vertical clutch chronographs usually don't expose much of the underlying machinery, so temper your expectations when you see a caseback like this.
None of the above suggests that the 5924G isn't a star or standout. For the practical reasons listed above, this is a great candidate to be your only Patek Philippe, your only watch, or both. It's an everyday option at House of Stern, and it's a complex issue for everyone from travelers to business professionals to parents coaching youth soccer.
All of its features are practical, easy to read, and the only gold that can be worn visibly without attracting the wrong kind of attention.
5990 price increase takes away from them the power to satisfy with anything like reasonable money. The relative value of a comparable 5924 is that you can find it, buy it, and wear it without feeling like you're putting a major asset class at risk. At this point, Nautilus owners of all stripes are becoming increasingly self-conscious about wearing a six-figure “investment” that has suddenly become mainstream.
In comparison, the 5924 is a watch. Although it's still expensive and unsuitable for welterweight wrists, it's a constant companion in waiting times that you can enjoy for what it is.
For more information, please visit www.patek.com/en/collection/complications/5924G-001.
Fast Facts: Patek Philippe Pilot Travel Time Chronograph
Board: Normal production
Reference code: 5924G-001
Case: 42mm white gold, 13.3mm thick, 52mm lug to lug. 30 meter pressure resistant, push-down crown, dimple-style pusher adjusters to adjust travel time and date
Clasp: Patek Pilot Style White Gold Pin Buckle
Dial: Sunburst blue-grey, white gold Arabic numerals, AM/PM home and local time zones, chronograph minutes to 60, radial date, broadsword hands
Movement: CH 28-520 C FUS, automatic winding, 55 hours power reserve, 4Hz, column wheel with vertical clutch, 6 position adjustment, silicone hairspring, free sprung balance, 34 jewels, diameter 31mm.-3/+2 seconds or more per 24 hours from factory
Features: Flyback chronograph, date, twin 12-hour time zones with AM/PM, date
2024 retail price: $76,000
Used price in 2024: $70-$76,000
* Tim Mosso is Watchbox's media director and watch specialist. You can check out his very comprehensive YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@WatchBoxStudios/videos.
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