Patek Philippe’s expertise with calendar watches is indisputable. Not only are its perpetual calendars highly sought-after, the brand is also responsible for creating the world’s first annual calendar complication in 1996. Coupled with its pursuit of perfection, the design of the new Calatrava Weekly Calendar Ref 5212A-001 is all the more interesting.

The Ref 5212A-001 indicates the week using what Patek Philippe calls a hammer-shaped hand, with the head of the “hammer” coloured red for added legibility and aesthetic enhancement. It also has a completely new self-winding movement, the calibre 26-330 S C J SE, which is based on the classic calibre 324 that sits within many of Patek Philippe’s other calendar watches. The new calibre has a new semi‑integrated mechanism for the weekly calendar function. In addition to the week, date, and day indication functions, the movement also has a stop seconds mechanism that allows for greater precision when the crown is pulled out for time‑setting, as well as an improved self-winding mechanism.

And take a close look at the watch dial. Each of the letters and numbers on the dial (aside from the usual Patek Philippe Geneva logo, the Swiss-made branding and the date aperture) is written by hand. The handwritten numerals and letters add a touch of quirkiness that has never quite been seen before in Patek Philippe’s watches.

Patek Philippe | #02-01, Ion Orchard | 6509 9238

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With its passion for aviation, IWC Schaffhausen has long been inspired by the Spitfire, Britain’s iconic fighter aircraft. The relationship is set to become even stronger this year as the brand releases seven new references to celebrate the year in which British pilots Steve Boultbee‑Brooks and Matt Jones will attempt the first round‑the‑world Spitfire flight.

The new releases—they eschew shiny silver dials and sunburst patterns in favour of a traditional matte instrument dial layout inspired by the original 1948 Mark 11 Pilot—are fitting tributes to the duo’s challenging adventure, which will cover more than 43,000km and 26 countries.

Take the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight”, for instance. Dedicated to the “Silver Spitfire - The Longest Flight” project, it was specifically developed for Boultbee-Brooks and Jones to assist them in their circumnavigation of the globe. It is designed to be a functional tool: a simple rotation of the bezel sets the time zone; the hour hand, 24-hour display and date can be adjusted similarly; and its in-house 82760 calibre features Pellaton winding with non-wearing ceramic components. Only 250 pieces are available worldwide. 

IWC Schaffhausen | #02-06, Ion Orchard | 6509 9640

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This is the fifth of eight stories done in collaboration with Ion Orchard. For the next three days, look out for stories detailing the latest happenings and newest releases from the 20 watch and jewellery tenants at Ion Orchard.