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.

Fresh from the grandeur of Tokyo’s Watch Art Grand Exhibition, Patek Philippe unveiled its event-specific special editions, notably the World Time Limited Edition Tokyo 2023, reference 5330G-010. This limited-run model, restricted to 300 pieces available exclusively in Japan, marks the brand’s debut world time featuring a date display.

The dial is a captivating shade of purple, reflecting the event’s theme, adorned with nuanced nods to Japanese culture. It’s notable that while the ref. 5308P Quadruple Complication claims the flagship title, the 5330G-010 embodies Patek Philippe’s timeless essence.

Patek Philippe has a storied connection with the world time complication, despite not being its original creator. Its integration of the date function is an epitome of sophistication and utility, aligning with the brand’s philosophy on movement designs. The dial references Japan subtly, with the standout plum shade possibly polarizing enthusiasts.

Its exclusivity—limited to Japan with only 300 pieces—enhances its desirability. It’s widely anticipated that this model will eventually feature in Patek Philippe’s regular lineup, with a different dial colour of course, reflecting trends from prior exhibition pieces.

Boasting dimensions slightly more generous than its predecessor, the World Time reference 5230, the 5330G’s case measures 40mm x 11.57mm. This white gold case carries vintage undertones reminiscent of the Calatrava 24-Hour ref. 5224R, particularly with its slender, tiered lugs and rounded middle.

The heart of this masterpiece is the cal. 240 HU C, a refined version of the cal. 240 HU, typical in standard World Time pieces. This novel movement integrates a sophisticated date mechanism, contributing marginally to its thickness. Its innovative glass date hand with a red-lacquered tip moves synchronously with the time, both forward and backward.

Distinctively, the 5330G-010’s sapphire back is adorned with the emblem of the Tokyo 2023 special edition, culminating in a piece that seamlessly fuses tradition, innovation, and homage.

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.