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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · World time wristwatch

Patek Philippe World Time Reference 5231J-001

Partially verified

The Patek Philippe Reference 5231J-001 is a world time wristwatch featuring an 18k yellow gold case measuring 39.5mm in diameter. The dial incorporates a cloisonné enamel map of the world at its center, surrounded by an adjustable bi-color 24-hour ring colored in blue for night and silver for day, and an outer silvered city ring indicating 24 time zones. Time setting and world time adjustment are facilitated by a pusher positioned at the 10 o'clock location on the case side. The watch is powered by the automatic in-house Patek Philippe Calibre 240 HU movement, which is visible through a sapphire display case back. The assembly is secured to a brown alligator leather strap equipped with an 18k yellow gold deployant clasp. The auction description reports the piece is in excellent condition and includes the original box set, books, leather folio, and certificate of origin.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Reference 5231J-001 showing the cloisonné enamel world map dial and 24-city ring.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Reference 5231J-001 showing the cloisonné enamel world map dial and 24-city ring. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · World time wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
5231J-001
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Complication

The watch utilizes a world time complication based on a layout attributed by the source to Louis Cottier. The center of the dial features a depiction of the globe executed in cloisonné enamel. This central element is surrounded by two concentric rings: an inner rotating 24-hour ring split between blue to signify night hours and silver to signify daylight hours, and an outer silvered city ring listing 24 locations corresponding to global time zones.

The wearer manages the time zone indication using an external pusher located on the left side of the watch case at the 10 o'clock position. This mechanism allows for the synchronization of the city ring and the 24-hour disk to track time globally from the wearer's current geographic location.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the dial, the world is portrayed in breathtaking cloisonné enamel”
  • “outside of which sits a bi-color, blue (night) and silver (day) 24-hour ring”
  • “Using this 24-city outer ring and the inner rotating 24-hour ring — all of which is controlled by the 10 o’clock pusher”

Case and Movement

The wristwatch is constructed with a 39.5mm yellow gold case. The watch is supplied with a brown alligator leather strap that terminates in an 18k yellow gold deployant clasp.

Power is provided by the in-house Patek Philippe Calibre 240 HU automatic movement. The movement features are visible to the user through the inclusion of a sapphire crystal display back integrated into the case construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rendered here in yellow gold, it features a classical complication executed in stunning fidelity given its 39.5mm case size”
  • “Through the watch’s sapphire display back, it’s possible to view the incredible workmanship on the in-house Patek Philippe Calibre 240 HU automatic movement”

Condition and Completeness

The auction description reports the watch is in excellent condition throughout. It is sold accompanied by its original manufacturer presentation materials.

The accompanying items include the inner and outer box, instructional books, a leather folio, and the original certificate of origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “this stunning piece is in excellent condition throughout, and includes its inner and outer box set, books, leather folio and certificate of origin.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year or range for this individual watch?
  • What is the full movement serial number visible on the calibre?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe World Time Reference 5231J-001
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe”
Reference5231J-001“Reference 5231J-001”
Case MaterialYellow gold“Rendered here in yellow gold”
Case Diameter39.5mm“39.5mm case size”
MovementPatek Philippe Calibre 240 HU“Patek Philippe Calibre 240 HU automatic movement”
StrapBrown alligator leather“signed brown alligator leather strap”
Clasp18k yellow gold deployant“18k yellow gold deployant clasp”
Included AccessoriesBox, books, folio, certificate“includes its inner and outer box set, books, leather folio and certificate of origin”

Visible details

  • Patek Philippe signature on the dial
  • Pusher for city adjustment located at the 10 o'clock position
  • Cloisonné enamel world map dial detail
  • Display case back showing movement

Research qualifications

  • Specific date of manufacture is not provided in the source text
  • Movement serial number is not disclosed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Patek Philippe World Time Grand Feu Cloisonné

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7b45e2ebf6

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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