Watch brands 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.
In the year 2014, Patek Philippe celebrated its 175th anniversary in watchmaking. To mark this momentous milestone, the Maison unveiled two remarkable limited edition world-time references – the Ref. 5575G and the Ref. 7715R. Notably, these releases also marked the Maison’s inaugural attempt at integrating a world-time complication with a moon phase.
What we have here today is the former – the Ref. 5575G World Time Moon, a limited edition consisting of 1300 pieces. From an aesthetic standpoint, the Ref. 5575G follows the footsteps of its predecessor, the Ref. 5130. Its meticulously crafted 18-carat white gold case showcases a sleek, domed bezel, a Calatrava-signed crown, and an engraved caseback marking the years 1839 – 2014, symbolizing its 175-year heritage in watchmaking. Additionally, it features a convenient quick-set pusher positioned at 10 o'clock on the case, facilitating effortless adjustments while traversing different time zones. Another striking design feature is the lyre-shaped lugs; although I've handled watches with various intriguing lug designs before, I find this particular design especially captivating yet practical, contributing to its overall wearability.
Moving onto its stunning dial, the Ref. 5575G features several rotating scales. Encircling its outer dial periphery are the names of 24 cities representing specific time zones, presented in a straightforward and easily readable format, accompanied by a graduated 24-hour ring just below it. Positioned at its centre are two glass discs stacked atop each other. The lower disc is coated with a very thin layer of metal on its underside, depicting a mesmerizing night sky adorned with stars and a beautiful photo-realistic moon phase along its periphery. Additionally, the handset here is also uniquely shaped, with the hour hand resembling an elongated star, drawing inspiration from the Crux, the Southern Cross Constellation.
While the Ref. 5575G lacks an exhibition caseback, in typical Patek fashion, rest assured that the movement powering this watch from within is equally remarkable as its dial and exterior. It houses Patek Philippe's very own self-winding, ultra-thin Cal. 240 HU LU movement, abbreviated for 'heures universelle lune', which directly translates to 'world-time moon.' This intricately finished movement was developed exclusively for this reference and it consists of a total of 270 individual components, including a 22-carat gold micro-rotor and a Spiromax balance spring. Furthermore, it features a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The Ref. 5575G is perhaps one of the most revered and sought-after anniversary models to date from Patek Philippe. Ideal for those with interests spanning multiple cities, the world-time complication serves as an excellent travel companion.
