Watchmakers often have specific complications that speak to their heritage, DNA and strengths, and Patek Phillipe is no different. An excellent example of this very complication is the World Time, an ingenious complication that displays the time in 24 time zones across the globe that Patek Philippe popularised in the mid-1950s.
Released in 2006, the Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 5130 replaced the Ref. 5110 that had debuted six years earlier just in time for the new millennium. With its beautifully elegant 39.5mm case, the Ref. 5130 quickly rose to popularity as the ultimate Patek Philippe World Time thanks to its stunning craftsmanship and beautiful construction. With its white gold case housing an incredible silver dial featuring an exquisite sunburst guilloché engraving within its centre, the Ref. 5130's dial is inspired by the World Timers that came before it. Contrasting the guilloche centre portion lies a graduated 24-hour ring and a satin-brushed dial periphery that houses the names of the 24 cities each representing a specific time zone in a simple, legible font.
Featuring a wonderfully elegant and polished platinum case with a simple domed bezel, a crown at 3 o'clock and a pusher at 10 o'clock to advance through the time zones, the Ref. 5130's aesthetic is one of understated class. Powered by the automatic Cal. 240 HU comprised of a total of 239 parts, a 22-carat solid gold micro-rotor and beautiful finishing throughout, the Ref. 5130's exhibition case back provides a visual delight as the Cal. 240's micro-rotor construction offers a virtually unobstructed view of the craftsmanship that has made Patek Philippe so iconic.
Perhaps the perfect travelling companion for someone with interests in more than one city, the World Time complication aided in the globalisation of the world during the 20th century and reminds us today of just how connected we are as a society - a testament to the power of fine mechanical horology.
