Patek Philippe World Time 5231J Cloisonné Enamel Dial

World Time watches are among Patek Philippe’s most popular complications, with a history spanning over 80 years resulting from 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 the user to change the reference city when travelling. 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 world timers with the reference 5231J with a yellow gold case and a 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 simultaneously. Remarkable for its details and colours, the enamel dial (just like reference 5131) depicts a world map with thin gold wires forming Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is framed by a revolving 24-hour day/night chapter ring. The outer ring shows the name of 24 cities.

Inside is the well-known calibre 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 world time. The balance runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour for a 48h power reserve. Visible through the exhibition caseback, the movement finishing includes Geneva stripes, perlage, and fine anglage.

The Patek Philippe World Time 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.