World time watches were invented, as is the case with most innovations, out of necessity. With the advent of the industrial age came global trade and world travel and, as a direct result, there was a need for timekeeping devices capable of tracking time in multiple time zones. A successor from the modern iteration of the ref. 5130, the ref 5230 debuted in 2016 in the Patek Philippe catalogue first in pink and white gold fitted with a beautifully crafted guilloche dial and a graduated 24-hour ring with a day and night indication encircled by a rotating disc 24 cities.

In 2022, Patek Philippe introduced three new world time wristwatches at Watches & Wonders: ref. 5231G-001 with Cloisnée enamel dial featuring Australia, ref. 7130R-014 with green dial and diamond-set bezel, and last but not least, the ref. 5230P-001, the platinum world time with a new blue on blue look. Sized at a perfect 38.5mm diameter platinum case, the azure blue dial is aesthetically striking. Highly sought after, Patek Philippe just discontinued the ref. 5230P-001 this year, giving this reference a short production period. The first example to be auctioned at Phillips and fresh-to-the-market, the present ref. 5230P is in “like-new” condition and accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and accessories. Time to strap on this handsome timepiece and hop on the plane for your next trip.