Description
Best known for their Complication and Grand Complications watches Patek Philippe masters the “Haute Horlogerie” and are arguably the best in the industry. Conceived to meet existential or professional requests, these breakthrough complications live on. In the 1930s the first World Timer saw the light, a wristwatch indicating the time for 24 time zones on a single dial.
Evolution of an emblematic model, the line of Worldtimers also known as “Heure Universelle” exists since over 80 years, extremely coveted by collectors who in recent auctions pay up to 2-3 million $ for a rare vintage piece, that sets the tone very high.
After an absence of over 35 years from the catalogues, the reference 5110 was released in 2000 and was available for 6 years, made in yellow gold 5110J, white gold 5110G and with a blue centre dial in platinum 5110P.
In 2006, Patek Philippe introduced the refined 5130 model, featuring a 39.5mm case, a growth of 2.5mm from its predecessor. This model enjoyed a ten-year production span and was available in yellow, rose, and white gold variants. The platinum version, however, saw some captivating limited-edition releases including the Dubai edition 5130p-014, Mecca edition 5130p-015, Edinburgh edition 5130p-029, Beirut edition 5130r-027, and the much sought-after cloisonné enamel dial versions, the rare 5131 references. These had waiting lists for all metals and as of early 2019, the 5131/1p full platinum bracelet version with the North Pole enamel dial was the only one being produced.
Fast forward to 2016, two new World Time references, the 5230 in pink and white gold, were launched. These had a slightly redesigned 1mm smaller case, new hands, winglet style lugs, and a manually guilloched slate-grey center dial. These references along with the newly introduced World Time Chronograph 5930G, equipped with a new caliber CH 28-520 HU, offering world time indication alongside a chronograph function, were powered by the micro-rotor 240-HU.
The featured timepiece, the “Worldtime Dubai Edition 5130p-014” was unveiled to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Patek Philippe’s Dubai retailer, and 50 years of their partnership. This piece diverges from the standard 5130P with its black sunburst guilloché patterned dial, emphasizing the city ring where Dubai is highlighted in red.
This automatic-winding 240 HU movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back marked with « Commemorative Piece 1950 – 2010 » inscription. It’s paired with a glossy black alligator strap with corresponding red stitching and an engraved Calatrava Cross clasp. This timepiece comes complete with its full original set, including its limited-edition attestation.
Patek Philippe – Bio
Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.