The need for timekeeping apparatus capable of tracking time in multiple locations across the globe came when commercial flight became accessible to the masses. Louis Cottier designed an ingenious, ultra-thin mechanism that simultaneously displayed the correct hours across the world's time zones through a rotating 24-hour ring, in addition to displaying the local time, in the 1930s. The design was very simple and yet extremely elegant, and world time watches have become one of Patek Philippe’s staple offerings.

The reference 5131 was released in 2008, first in yellow gold, as the present example, soon followed by a white gold model in 2009, a pink gold model in 2014, and a platinum model in in 2017. A successor to the reference 5130 introduced in 2006, the new reference featured upgrades including an impressive cloisonné enamel dial, the city/region names of 24 world locations displayed on the outer ring. The cloisonné enamel dials demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship of Patek Philippe enamel work that the brand is known for. This yellow gold example features a stunning dial with the Americas, Europe and Africa, while the white gold versions show Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, and the pink gold models done with Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

The present yellow gold example stands as a beautifully preserved example offered in what many consider to be the most classic metal choice. It is offered complete with its full set of original accessories, including the Certificate of Origin from 2011, leather folio, and presentation box.