World Time

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Introduction

Louis Cottier developed the world time mechanism and filed a patent for it in 1931. The first examples as writwatches date from 1937 using the famous design of the calatrava under Ref. 96 HU (Heures Universelles). Over its 85 years, the Patek Philippe World Time in both pocket watch format with the glorious reference 605 HU and across all 17 wristwatch iterations has been a resplendent playground for Patek’s signature artistry in case, dial and hand design. Finally, this complication also represents a wonderful collaboration between the world’s most revered haute horlogerie maison and a watchmaker named Louis Cottier, who would become one of the 20th century’s most significant horological figures.

Explore World Time collection's highlight

Showcase 12

5 watches

091

Patek Philippe 2523 J

PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 2523 J, made 1953, large, double-crown, yellow gold World Time wristwatch with 24-hour indication and royal blue translucent enamel dial center, manual winding, calibre 12’’’400 HU, stamped with the Geneva seal. One of three. Over sixty years after its creation, it remains a treasure worthy of gracing the world’s finest collections. Its striking beauty and exceptional craftsmanship perfectly embody the characteristics of a Patek Philippe masterpiece. This is one of only three known examples.

092

Patek Philippe 605 HU

Ref. 605 HU, made 1948, pink gold open face keyless world time pocket watch with polychrome cloisonné enamel dial representing a map of North America, manual winding, calibre 17''-170 HU, swan-neck micrometer regulator. One of only four known, decorated with the map of North America. This watch deserves the label “a collector’s dream come true”. This is one of only four known examples.

093

Patek Philippe 605 HU

Ref. 605 HU, made 1944, yellow gold open face keyless world time pocket watch with matte silvered dial, manual winding, calibre 16 ½ ‘’’, stamped HOX. With later engraved coat of arms from of Henry Graves Jr., the present watch was sold to Patek Philippe’s New York based retailer Tiffany & Co in 1948, one the supplier sof fine timepieces to the celebrated collector Henry Graves Jr. The Henry Graves, Jr. coat of arms was engraved subsequently.

094

Patek Philippe 2523/1 J

Ref. 2523/1 J, made 1963, large, double-crown, yellow gold World Time wristwatch with 24-hour indication, manual winding, calibre 12’’’400 HU (Heures Universelles). This reference was never available with enamel dial, only with smooth or textured silver dials. Only fifteen yellow gold examples of the Ref. 2523/1 were produced.

Other timepieces in this showcase

090

Patek Philippe 605 HU

Ref. 605 HU, made 1948, pink gold open face keyless world time pocket watch with polychrome cloisonné enamel dial representing a map of North America, manual winding, calibre 17'-170 HU, swan-neck micrometer regulator. One of only four known, decorated with the world map. This is one of only two known examples.