Alarm Travel Time
REF. 5220RG-001
Available for the first time in this two-tone combination of a rose gold
case with white gold pusher tubes is the Alarm Travel Time, an extremely
practical watch that combines a dual time zone feature with a mechanical
alarm. Despite the abundance of information, reading it is a breeze thanks
to Patek Philippe’s keen attention to detail. Much of the processes involved
in its creation is done by hand, from the application of each numeral to the
decoration of the movement. For improved legibility, the solid hour hand
is coated with luminescent material for local time, while the hand for home
time is skeletonised.
Like all of Patek Philippe’s cases, this one required the work of roughly
20 specialists performing about 50 operations. The dial also undergoes an
extensive production process, taking four to six months and involving steps
like polishing, buffing, electroplating, and manual transfer printing of the dial
text. Each dial takes a minimum of 50 operations, with the dial being cleaned
in an ultrasound bath after every single one.
This exactitude even extends to what we don’t see, but hear: four patents
have been granted for the alarm, which uses a hammer and gong setup for
its alarm function, producing a beautiful chime reminiscent of the brand’s
legendary minute repeaters.
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