The Calatrava Pilot Travel Time was one of the most controversial releases from modern Patek when the 5524G was introduced in 2015. However, the more reasonably (and correct) sized reference 7234G has been my favorite modern Patek since the rose gold / brown dial was introduced in 2018. The 7234G was introduced in 2020 with the saturated matte blue dial and matching strap, and like my love for the Aquanaut, it’s great because it’s very anti-patek… and weird. Now, I’ve also always loved the EPSA cased supercompressors from the 1960’s, so this fits right in with the massive crowns to quickly and easily adjust local time, but it also feels every bit like a Patek, and by that, I mean it feels very… luxurious. It pains me to use that adjective, but it’s true, it feels very high quality, the fit and finishing and details down to the buckle are what you’d expect from the original $48,295 MSRP, and it’s super fun on wrist. It’s sophisticated, sporty, casual, but still very serious, and if you want/need to track additional time zones quickly and easily, very practical.

This particular example is in very nice condition throughout and represents the rare opportunity to get a (good) modern Patek at a discount to MSRP at that.

Case: The 37.5 mm white gold case is very clean throughout, with a few shallow scratches on the bezel that do show in photography but are not noticeable on wrist. The case is unpolished and very clean otherwise with deep hallmarks crisply intact. I think the contrarian in me also loved this reference because the 7234R was originally introduced as a ladies watch, which it absolutely could be, but there’s nothing small about it. I love how it wears on my 6-3/8” wrist, but given the presence and lug shape, it could easily accommodate smaller as well as much larger wrists.

Dial: The deeply saturated matte blue dial is clean and free from any defects or imperfections. There aren’t many lume-functional options in the modern Patek catalog, but this one has it in spades. The big bold luminova-filled Arabic numerals have a vintage inspired font paying homage to the 1930’s hour-angle style pilot’s watches. The skeletonized hand represents home time, with the aperture at 3:15 indicating day or night with white or blue discs showing in the window. The lume filled hour hand represents local time and perfectly hides the skeletonized hand when not in use. The subtle addition of the red “1” in the date subdial is fun and adds some warmth to an already beautiful dial.

Movement: The in-house 324 SF FUS is considered to be a modern day workhorse in the Patek catalog with the use of silicone (or “Silinvar”) in the Spiromax spring and Gyromax balance. The watch is currently running at approximately +2 s/d averaged across six positions with all functions working flawlessly.

Includes: The full and complete original set with carboard shipping box, branded carboard outer box, wooden inner box with sleeve, leather folio with original booklet and certificate or origin dated 2021, and an additional standard length strap in like new condition. The short-length strap is currently installed and in very good condition.

I’m certainly not going to debate anyone on the merits of the 7234, as it is polarizing. However, if you’re like me and find the quirkiness and overall appearance to be as attractive and well proportioned as I do, I do believe this represents a great price on a cool, different, and wonderfully wearing watch.