5110P, World Time, Platinum

The world time complication was invented by watchmaker Louis Cottier in 1931. For the first time, a watch was capable of displaying local time along with the world’s 24 time zones simultaneously. Local time was displayed through the central handset, and a city disk representing each of the 24 time zones surrounded the dial’s perimeter. By setting the local city to the 12 position, the world’s time zones were accurately displayed. Spurred on by increased globalization the complication caught the attention of numerous watchmakers, Audemars Piguet and later Patek Philippe commissioned Cottier to develop World Time references of their own. 

Patek Philippe released their first World Time wristwatch in 1939, the ref. 1415, its 31mm case sporting classic aesthetics and teardrop lugs. 1953 brought a major update with the ref 2523, providing a contemporary 36mm case. While the complication provided obvious benefit, adjustment of the local time display and city disk were accomplished through independent crowns. A user must set local time through the crown at 3, and then adjust the city disk to match using the crown at 9. 2523 production coincided with the golden age of air travel, it became one of the tool watches of choice for the travelling elite of the period. Patek ceased production of the 2523 due to diminishing demand in 1965 and the complication remained unmodified for decades. 

After a 35 year hiatus, Patek released the 5110 in 2000, providing increased functionality with a novel mechanism to replace the two crown system common to earlier references. The pusher at 10:00 advances both the hour hand as well as the city disk, conveniently adjusting local and world time displays simultaneously. The 5110 was Patek’s first automatic world time, its Calibre 240HU powered by an 18k gold micro-rotor is impressively packaged in a 9.8mm thick case. For the first time a buyer could option the 37mm case in platinum as well as the more traditional yellow and pink gold. Its guilloché dial brings a touch of dress watch to the aesthetic, making the reference incredibly versatile. This platinum example, manufactured in 2001, is from early in the reference’s production. 

The 5110 was not only the relaunch of an important reference in Patek Philippe’s history, it brought increased functionality along with modern proportions and movement technology. The ease of time zone adjustment and versatile aesthetics make it an ideal one-watch option for global travelers or international businessmen. While written decades ago, the text from an ad campaign of the initial reference 1415 remains accurate, “for the man whose interests go beyond the horizon”

This 5110P presents in great overall condition. The dial shows no signs of wear or damage. The case has some light surface wear but full proportions, consistent with careful but regular use. Its calibre 240HU is running well in specification. It comes on its original strap with deployant clasp.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.