Reference 605 represents the Patek Philippe pocket incarnation of the World Time (Heures Universelles) mechanism invented by Louis Cottier. Between 1930 and 1964, Cottier delivered to Patek Philippe 95 modified 17-170 movements (considered one of the best time only movements of its time), most of them employed in reference 605, rendering this an astoundingly rare model with a total output below 100 pieces. While some dials featured polychrome enamel depictions of maps, others displayed mythological creatures. The most classic version is the present watch, with a silvered dial.

This wonderfully preserved yellow gold reference 605 features the signature of Gübelin at the center of the dial. Most interestingly, the inside case back bears a series of of minuscule letters. Research shows that this was actually an internal code that Gübelin used. The present watch most notably displays a "long signature", meaning the watch is a particularly early example made before the manufacture changed their signature to the short "Patek Philippe" version.

The present example impresses with its incredible condition, having developed a layer of charming patina on the bezel - a direct result of being unused to for a very lone time.