Following its predecessor (the
ref. 5130), the
5131J presents a number of distinguishable differences; most notably, the use of closionné enamel for the dial. Twenty-four cities are also displayed on the outer edge of the dial, with ‘
Patek Philippe’ and ‘
Genève’ signatures engraved on the bezel. The
5131 World Time is limited by production, with
only a small number of closionné dials made each year - requiring intricate, specialist skill. The result, is an original display of craftsmanship, finely outlined in yellow gold.
The
5131J-014 (seen in this example) followed the
reference 5131J-001, and was produced for less than two years before the reference was eventually discontinued, making them relatively rare. In the design, three of the cities were changed (Caracas to La Paz, Moscow to Riyadh but Moscow re-appearing, in place of Dubai), and it’s believed the colours of the enamel also became more vibrant, over the
5131J-001.
The
5131’s world-time mechanism harks back to the 1930s, when talented Geneva watchmaker, Louis Cottier, devised an ingenious, ultra-thin mechanism, which simultaneously displayed the correct hours across the world's time zones (through a rotating 24-hour ring) and local time. The concentric, 24-hour chapter-ring is divided into nocturnal and diurnal hours. In the design, the local time zone is set at the 12 o'clock position, with the hour and minute hand set at local time. The correct time (hours and minutes) is then displayed for every time zone in the world simultaneously (with clear local-time indication) on a single dial. In 1959, Patek Philippe obtained a patent for Cottier's device - introducing the calibre
240 HU, in 1999.
Powered by the above-mentioned, ultra-thin calibre
240 HU (‘Heure Universelle’), the self-winding movement features a 22K gold micro-rotor, allowing for a height less than 3.9mm; despite the world-time mechanism, placed dial-side on top of the movement. The calibre
240 HU features a
Spiromax balance spring (made of silicon-based
Silinvar), working in conjunction with a
Gyromax balance-wheel. The movement is beautifully finished, with fine Geneva stripes, perlage and anglage, as well as exquisite chamfering on all angles.
This
Patek Philippe ref.
5131J-014 is accompanied by its original inner and outer boxes, literature, leather folder and stamped Certificate of Origin. The watch comes with its original matte-brown, alligator strap and corresponding yellow gold deployant buckle. It's fitted to one of our
Marrakesh tan saffiano straps.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
