Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater ref. 5531
Patek Philippe’s catalog of incredible inventions, industry firsts, and iconic timepieces certainly does not need an introduction. Across their long history, they have created horological masterpieces that most watchmakers can only dream of, and the World Time Minute Repeater ref. 5531 is another one of those timepieces. Initially launched in 2017 as a special edition of just ten pieces, it was expanded as a permanent addition to Patek’s arsenal in 2018. Combining and celebrating two of Patek’s best-known and most emblematic complications, their signature World Time complication and the orchestral Minute Repeater, in a way no watchmaker had ever done before, the ref. 5531 demonstrates just how special Patek Philippe is as a modern watchmaking powerhouse.
Indeed, with its minute repeater, the World Time Minute Repeater ref. 5531 beautifully chimes the time on command as one might expect, but for the first time in horology, the ref. 5531 is capable of chiming the local time in any of its 24 timezones, thanks to some innovative watchmaking. Powered by the 8.5mm thick and immaculately finished automatic cal. R27 HU, the ref. 5531’s world time mechanism continuously advances the hour snail cam and allows the minute repeater to chime the time in whatever timezone is displayed at 12 o’clock, the local time. This is a significant improvement on traditional minute repeaters, whereby a 12-pointed star wheel drives the hour snail cam. This 12-pointed wheel is then advanced one tooth per hour by the minute snail, which is itself driven by the motion works. As a result, the ref. 5531 is a remarkable solution to a complex problem – something Patek Philippe is a master at achieving.
With the cal. R27 HU movement displaying its immaculate finishing beneath the ref. 5531’s exhibition caseback, it is no surprise Patek have opted for an equally opulent construction for the ref. 5531. Indeed, the timepiece boasts an 18kt rose gold 40.2mm case with a polished stepped bezel and distinctive openworked lugs that provide an unencumbered view of the clous de Paris guilloché encircling its entire mid-case. With its winding crown at 3 o’clock, world timer pusher at 2 o’clock, and minute repeater slide at 9 o’clock, the ref. 5531 is a beautifully balanced watch on the wrist and, indeed, is aided by its impressively thin 11.49mm profile. Considering the complexity of its movement, getting the ref. 5531 to be just 11.49mm tall is quite the achievement.
Aside from the complexity of its movement, and the angelic sound of its incredible minute repeater’s chime, perhaps the star of the show, is the ref. 5531’s immaculate dial. Featuring a Cloisonné enamel center, the ref. 5531’s dial depicts a boat sailing on Lake Geneva in the Lavaux region. Famed for its vineyard terraces that stretch over 30 kilometers and have earned UNESCO world heritage site designation, the ref. 5531 is artistry in more ways than one. While its credentials as a micromechanical masterpiece are undoubtedly impressive, the ref. 5531’s dial is a breathtaking display of Patek Philippe’s talents. With 18kt rose gold hour markers punctuating the dial into quarters and a subtly compartmentalized city disk offering a discreet pattern to complement its otherwise free-flowing design, the ref. 5531 acts as a beautiful celebration of two of Patek Philippe’s best-known complications and two of Switzerland’s best exports - intricately constructed timepieces and wine made from grapes grown in some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.
Today we are proud to offer this highly limited and rare Patek Philippe Cloisonné World Time Minute Repeater Ref. 5531R for sale.
