Patek Philippe World Time 18K

About the Watch

Like many intricate watch complications, the world timer is far from a modern invention. First created by Louis Cottier in 1931, it soon garnered attention for wristwatch use. After initial successes with pocket watches, major watchmakers, including Patek Philippe, approached Cottier, leading to the creation of the first two Patek World Time references: Reference 515 HU, with a rectangular case, and Reference 96 HU, using the already popular Calatrava case. Although only four rectangular prototypes were produced, the Calatrava-cased models became the foundation for one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic and collectible watch lines.

Initially, this early world timer caliber lacked a separate mechanism for adjusting local time. Instead, wearers had to manually rotate an outer bezel engraved with various home cities to set the local time at 12 o'clock. It wasn’t until 1953 that Patek Philippe introduced Cottier’s caliber 12-400 HU in Reference 2523, which simplified the world time adjustment process and helped establish the category. However, after Cottier’s death in the late ’60s, Patek discontinued the model.

Nearly 35 years later, Patek Philippe revived the beloved world time complication with Reference 5110, featuring the new caliber 240 HU—a movement renowned for its technical excellence and finishing. This caliber, still in production today in the Reference 5230 World Timer, marked a new chapter for the brand. Patek also evolved the watch’s case, initially moving from 37mm in Reference 5110 to 39.5mm in Reference 5130, and finally to 38.5mm with the current Reference 5230. Throughout these updates, the caliber 240 HU remained unchanged, a testament to its enduring quality. What adds a fascinating dimension to the world timer category is how it captures the evolution of global timekeeping and changing reference cities. As city names and time zones shift, each Patek Philippe World Time model preserves a unique snapshot of the world as it was, making it a time capsule as much as a timepiece.

About the Brand

When it comes to impeccable craftsmanship, pioneering designs and rich history of Genevan watchmaking inventions, there is none more qualified than that of Patek Philippe. The company began its legacy in the nineteenth century, founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe and has a tradition of innovation that has been crowned by over one hundred patents. The brand is renowned for its hand-finished watches and skilled craftsman that ensure each and every timepiece is of the highest of standards.