In this episode, we delve deeply into the captivating history of Patek Philippe World Time watches. Originating from an era before digitalization, Louis Cottier solved the challenge of world time measurement in 1931 with his “Heures Universelles” watch. This timepiece, featuring an inner 12-hour ring and an outer 24-hour ring, marked a revolutionary advancement. In 1937, in collaboration with Patek Philippe, the first World Time wristwatch, Ref. 515 HU, was created, with only four prototypes produced at the time. This was followed by Ref. 542 with an engraved rotating bezel and 30 city names, then Ref. 96 HU, of which only two examples were made. In 1939, the first series-produced World Time watch, Ref. 1415 HU, was introduced, with production in the low three-digit range. A single platinum model achieved a record price at auction in 2002. In 1954, Patek Philippe presented Ref. 2523 HU with a second crown and city names rotating ring, a design that continues to define World Time watches to this day. After Louis Cottier's death in 1966, World Time watches temporarily vanished, only to return in 2000 with Ref. 5110, ushering in a modern era. In 2017, the Ref. 5131 in platinum with a metal bracelet was introduced, featuring the Earth from a North Pole perspective for the first time. The dial is crafted in cloisonné enamel, and the Caliber 240 HU offers a 48-hour power reserve. This watch is both a dream timepiece and a coveted collector's item.
