Patek Philippe world time

The World Time is one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic complications. The complication was originally invented in the 1930s by Louis Cottier, and the manufacture created its first World Time watches soon after. Since then, Patek Philippe World Time watches have cemented their place as some of the most aspirational timepieces among watch enthusiasts. The current collection contains a selection of models, each with its own unique character and appeal.

The World Time complication allows the wearer to keep track of all twenty-four time zones simultaneously. Two outer discs are inscribed with the names of cities to represent each time zone. The central hands display the local time of the city at the 12 o’clock position on the dial. Meanwhile, a rotating 24-hour disc keeps track of the other time zones. An ingenious mechanism, patented in 1999, allows the wearer to move all displays forwards in one-hour increments with the press of a single pusher, making it easy to adjust the local time while travelling.

In 2011 Patek Philippe released a ladies’ World Time model, the Ref. 7130. There are two ladies’ references in the current collection; the Ref. 7130G-016 and Ref. 7130R-014. Considering the complexity of the movement, the 36mm width and 8.83mm height of these models is extraordinary. Produced in either white gold with a grey-blue dial, or in rose gold with an olive-green dial, the dial centres pay tribute to Rare Craftsmanship skills with a fine hand-guilloché basketweave motif. For a touch of fire, each is set with sixty-two diamonds on the bezel, and twenty-seven diamonds on the strap buckle, totalling approximately 1ct.

In an even more impressive feat of haute horlogerie, the next two references we will explore here combine the World Time complication with flyback chronograph functionality. Using Patek Philippe’s first in-house self-winding chronograph movement as its base, the Caliber CH 28-520 HU integrates the World Time mechanism so elegantly that the movement remains slim and compact, a significant challenge. With no running seconds hand, the movement is designed to allow the wearer to keep the chronograph running continuously without damage.

The Ref. 5930P-001 encases this movement in platinum, with a green dial that subtly incorporates the chronograph features into the World Time display. Meanwhile, the Ref. 5935A-001 evokes watchmaking heritage with a rose-gilt opaline dial, given a sporty twist with a modern ‘carbon’ motif engraved into the centre. Adding to the sporty aesthetic, this is the first World Time flyback chronograph to be produced in stainless steel.