Following its predecessor (the ref. 5130), the 5131G presented a number of distinguishable differences; most notably, the use of closionné enamel for the dial. Twenty-four cities are further displayed on the outer edge of the dial (in Italic font), with the signatures ‘Patek Philippe’ and ‘Genève’ engraved on the bezel. Requiring meticulous attention to detail to craft the closionné enamel dial, the ref. 5131 world-time is limited by production - with only a small number of closionné enamel pieces produced each year. In this example, the enamel shows an array of vibrant tones, finely outlined in white-gold.
The 5131G’s world-time mechanism harks back to the 1930s, when talented Geneva watchmaker, Louis Cottier, devised an ingenious, ultra-thin mechanism, which simultaneously displayed the correct hours across the world's time zones (through a rotating 24-hour ring) and local time. The concentric, 24-hour chapter-ring is divided into nocturnal and diurnal hours. In the design, the local time zone is set at the 12 o'clock position, with the hour and minute hand set at local time. The correct time (hours and minutes) is then displayed for every time zone in the world simultaneously (with clear local-time indication) on a single dial. In 1959, Patek Philippe obtained a patent for Cottier's device - introducing the calibre 240 HU (featured in the ref. 5131G), in 1999.
Powered by the above-mentioned ultra-thin calibre 240 HU (‘Heure Universelle’), this self-winding movement features an elegant 22K gold micro-rotor, allowing a height below 3.9mm; despite the world-time mechanism, placed dial-side on top of the movement. The calibre 240 HU features a spiromax balance spring (made of silicon-based silinvar), working in conjunction with a Gyromax balance-wheel. The movement is beautifully finished, with finely-applied Geneva stripes, perlage and anglage, as well as exquisite chamfering on all angles.
This Patek Philippe ref. 5131G is accompanied by an original packaging box (which sealed the watch), literature and leather folder. The watch comes on an original navy-blue, alligator strap and corresponding white-gold deployant buckle. Whilst unsealed, this piece remains unworn, and thus is preserved in mint condition.
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