Patek Philippe World Timers: Complete Collection
Collection

Patek Philippe World Timers: Complete Collection

By descartes1 · Jan 17, 2025 · 31 replies
descartes1
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
31 replies6353 views3 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 ✉ 🔗

Descartes1, a respected voice in the Patek Philippe community, shares a deeply personal horological journey, revisiting a beloved complication. This article explores his decision to re-acquire a platinum World Timer, offering a nuanced comparison between the Patek Philippe Ref. 5110P and 5130P. His insights provide valuable context for collectors considering these iconic references, highlighting the subtle yet significant differences in wearability and aesthetic appeal.

As many here may recall, I owned a 5110p and for many years it was a love affair.

But I found myself wearing it less and less because my lifestyle caused me to gravitate more to sport watch, especially when traveling.

Also, the size of the 5110 became less and less appealing I think mostly because on an everyday basis I generally wear Rolex sport watches which, having rising to “super-case” dimensions made the 37mm world timer feel that much smaller.

So, I sold the 5110p a couple years ago.

But I have really missed it.

This week, I made up for my past mistake by acquiring another platinum world timer- this time it’s the 5130p.

I think the 39.5 mm size works much better for me.

As far as aesthetics go, I think the 5110 is just about perfect but the 5130 is very, very close. Indeed, the sunburst guilloche of the 5130 gives it an appealing ethereal quality which the 5110 doesn’t have. It’s almost like a diamond as the sun reflects off the sunburst at different angles. (I also think the 5130 is nicer in the real than in photos. It is hard to capture its magic in a photo).

Any small difference in appeal is made up for by the better (for me) size, the gorgeous and interesting hour hand, and the flatness with which it sits on the wrist.

I should add that I also carefully considered the 5230p and g references. Even though on paper I thought the 5230 might be the perfect compromise on size I found that it wore smaller than its numerical diameter because of the absence of crown guards and slightly thicker case.

The case on the 5130/5110 is just sublime. The sculptural style is almost like melted metal on one’s wrist. It is truly from an era which in my opinion was a high point for Patek in case design and there are few other cases which have such a sensuous quality.

I think this one will stay in the collection for good…








About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5130

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5130, introduced in 2006, is a World Time watch that succeeded the popular reference 5110. This model maintained the distinctive World Time complication, allowing for simultaneous display of time in 24 different time zones. Its design evolved with a slightly larger case and updated dial aesthetics, distinguishing it from its predecessor while retaining the core functionality that defines Patek Philippe's travel timepieces. It was produced until 2017.

The watch features an 18k rose gold case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 9.8mm in thickness, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU movement. This ultra-thin movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The dial is silver or opaline with a guilloché center, protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

Reference 5130 appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated travel complication from Patek Philippe. Its larger case size compared to the 5110 offered a more contemporary presence on the wrist, while its classic World Time mechanism remained a hallmark of the brand's technical prowess. The model was available in various precious metals, with the rose gold variant offering a warm aesthetic.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.240 HU
Case
18k rose gold
Diameter
39.5mm
Dial
Silver / opaline guilloché
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
AR
ArmisT
Jan 18, 2025

It is interesting how much of a difference that crown guard makes.

EN
enjoythemusic
Jan 18, 2025

Three times, actually, if you count the 5110rg dealer Wall Clock. Man, my wife really misses that clock too. Congrats on your 5130, enjoy your time.

VI
vicunaman1
Jan 18, 2025

AS THEY ALL ARE.. HOLD ON TO THIS ONE AND ENJOY IT. CONGRATS!!!

AQ
Aquaracer1
Jan 18, 2025

Re-buy is a must, especially when you can’t get it out of your head !

TE
TeutonicCarFan
Jan 18, 2025

What a fun start to the weekend!

CM
cmclee
Jan 18, 2025

I owned the 5130 G sometime ago and sold it. Later, I had the chance to acquire the 5130p and never looked back. Between the 5110 and 5130, the size and the scissors hand piqued my interest.

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 31 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →