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, the brand released the very popular and elegant 5130 model in a 39.5mm case, 2.5mm bigger than the older sibling, it had a 10 years long lifespan, they produced that version in rose, yellow and white gold, the platinum was blessed with a few stunning limited editions pieces, to name some; 1) Dubai edition 5130p-014, 2) Mecca edition 5130p-015, 3) Edinburgh edition 5130p-029, 4) Beirut edition 5130r-027 and the very coveted cloisonné enamel dial versions, the rare references 5131 that saw many long waiting lists for all metals, as of early 2019 only the 5131/1p full platinum bracelet version is being produced with the North Pole enamel dial.

In 2016 we saw the release of two new World Time references, 5230 (pink and white gold) with a new designed case, 1mm smaller than its predecessor, new hands, winglet style lugs and a slate-grey centre dial guillochéd by hand.
All of these references are powered by the microrotor 240-HU but there is something new, the birth of a model inspired by a unique piece from 1940, the World Time Chronograph 5930G debuts with a new caliber CH 28-520 HU, world time indication along a chronograph function.

The present reference 5231G-001 launched in 2022 is housed in a 38,5mm-wide and 10.23mm-tall case made of 18k white gold with winglet style lugs. Matching the case material, the hands and arabic numerals are applied in white gold.

Entirely hand made, the dial’s world map – depicting for a change from the previous white gold reference 5131G South East Asia and Oceania – is decorated with the Grand Feu cloisonné enamel technique, which alone makes Patek Philippe’s World Timers very coveted items for purists. For this piece, a thin gold wire outlines the continents, with the cells then filled with multiple enamel colors repeatedly exposed to high temperature in order to fix the glass representing the oceans and lands.

A transparent case back exposes the Calibre 240 HU (for Heure Universelle) which provides 24-hour and day/night indicator for all 24 time zones, and a 48-hr power reserve. At just 3.8mm-thick, this self-winding mechanical movement bears the PP seal, a testament to its exceptional quality standard which goes beyond the artistic dial.

This rare piece of art comes with a shiny hand-stitched alligator strap with square scales and a fold-over clasp.
A modern homage to the millennia-old art of enamelling, this World Time reference is a must-have for fine collectors.

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.