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.

Unveiled in 2019, the 5231J-001 stands as an epitome of Patek Philippe’s skilled craftsmanship. Housed in a case of 18k yellow gold that measures 38.5mm in width and 10.23mm in height, this watch features uniquely designed winglet-style lugs. The hands and Arabic numerals, reflecting the case material, are thoughtfully made of yellow gold.

The dial of this timepiece showcases an artful representation of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, created using the Grand Feu cloisonné enamel technique. The creation process is meticulous and laborious, requiring a thin gold wire to meticulously outline the continents and then fill the delineated cells with an array of enamel colors. These are then repeatedly subjected to high heat to solidify the glassy enamel, perfectly depicting the continents and oceans. This complex and beautiful technique gives Patek Philippe’s World Timers their coveted status among watch enthusiasts.

The transparent case back reveals the heart of the watch, the Calibre 240 HU (Heure Universelle). This automatic movement, measuring just 3.8mm in thickness, offers a 48-hour power reserve and 24-hour day/night indicator for all 24 time zones. It bears the Patek Philippe Seal, underlining the movement’s superior quality and precision that extends beyond the exquisite dial.

This exceptional timepiece, now discontinued, comes new and equipped with a hand-stitched alligator strap with square scales and a fold-over clasp. The 5231J-001 pays a contemporary tribute to the ancient art of enamelling, and is a collectible masterpiece that no connoisseur should overlook.

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.