Patek Philippe World Time Anniversary 175th, 5575G-001, White Gold

£77,500
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Watchdrawer

This is an example of the Patek Philippe World Time Moon reference 5575G-001*, produced in a limited series of 1,300 pieces to commemorate the historic brand’s 175th year. It features a white gold case particular to the reference and pairs the brand’s signature Louis-Cottier world time complication with a moonphase display. On the dial, the brand replaced Paris with its home city of Geneva for this reference. Powering it is the calibre 240 HU LU, wound by a micro-rotor. The set includes a commemorative box and letter signed by Philippe and Thierry Stern.

The World Time

By its very nature, the world time complication is one imbued in the romance of travel and adventure in varied, exciting locations.

Invented in the 1930s by the Geneva watchmaker Louis Cottier, a world time displays real time in key cities across the planet’s twenty-four time zones. Cottier’s ingenious mechanism - used by Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe amongst others - laid the foundation for world time watches ever since.

Its design elements were geared towards something much sportier and more contemporary than the manufacturer was then known for at the time. Though unconfirmed, rumour suggests that the model was first commissioned by high level military personnel, hence the utilitarian design and dial pattern reminiscent of a grenade. Ever since its introduction, the Aquanaut has only grown in appeal, with these early pieces reminding us of where it all began.