World Time watches are among Patek Philippe’s most popular complications, with a history spanning over 80 years and the watches manufactured with Louis Cottier in the 1930s. In 1950 came the first World Time watch with two crowns, the reference 2523, which allowed changing the reference city when traveling. Fast forward, the year 2000 marked a revival for world time watches with reference 5110. The 5110 was replaced in 2006 with the 5130, itself replaced by the Patek Philippe 5230 in 2016.
The Patek Philippe 5130 had its enamel dial version with reference 5131. At Baselworld 2019, Patek Philippe presents a worthy heir to this long legacy of worldtimers with the reference 5231J with yellow gold case and cloisonné enamel dial.
Just like the 5230, the new 5231 is housed in a 38.5mm case with distinctive winglet lugs and a narrow inclined bezel. The pusher at 10 o’clock allows you to advance the local time by one hour increments, while rotating the city ring at the same time. Remarkable for its details and colors, the enamel dial (just like for reference 5131) depicts a world map with thin gold wires forming Europe, Africa and the Americas. It is framed by a revolving 24-hour chapter ring showing day and night. The outer ring shows the name of 24 cities in italic.
Inside is the fine and well-known caliber 240-HU. This micro-rotor automatic movement is 27.50mm in diameter and just 3.88mm thick despite the world time module. It displays hours and minutes and the worldtime. The balance runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour for a 48h power reserve. Visible through the exhibition case back, the movement finishing includes Geneva stripes, perlage and fine anglage.
The Patek Philippe worldtime 5231J is worn on a brown alligator leather strap secured with a gold folding buckle. The price for this model is of EUR 66,320. For more information, please visit www.patek.com.
This post first appeared on Monochrome Watches - An online magazine dedicated to fine watches.
