For the first time, Patek Philippe has added a new complication to its iconic World Time reference, a realistic moon phase display at the center of the dial.
For the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe, the brand is releasing a number of undeniably special references, in what are sure to be highly coveted limited numbers. The new Patek Philippe World Time Moon includes a realistic moon phase display at the center of the dial, replacing what is normally guilloché or, in less frequent instances, multi-colored cloisonné enamel. But that's not all. The World Time Moon will be made available in two versions, Reference 5575 pictured above, and a smaller ladies' edition, Reference 7175, adorned with diamonds around the bezel. This is precisely how to make an already iconic Patek Philippe reference even more special than it already is to collectors around the world.
The realistic moon phase display replaces the standard guilloché or multi-colored cloisonné enamel at the center of the dial.
The new moon phase display is especially interesting because it is the first time Patek has rendered the moon so realistically, here on two superimposed metallized glass discs. The positioning at the center of the dial is equally notable for its prominence.
Self-winding Caliber 240 HU LU features 270 individual parts, including a micro-rotor.
The World Time Moon is powered by the all-new caliber 240 HU LU, which was developed expressly to combine the world-time function with a large moon phase display. The movement features 270 individual parts, naturally all finished to a high standard. According to Patek, the maximum daily deviation is between -3 and +2 seconds. (That's really quite good.)
With dimensions of 27.5 mm in diameter by 5.2 mm in height, the compact and relatively thin caliber 240 HU LU is sized for both the 39.8 mm men's model and the 38 mm women's model. Granted, there's not a huge difference in size between the two models, but you can definitely imagine how minute differences in dimensions (for both the case and movement) can affect overall technical design.
Men's reference 5575, pictured here, features an 18k white gold case measuring 39.8 mm in diameter by just 9.81 mm in thickness. The ladies' reference 7175 will be released in 18k rose gold, with a slightly smaller case diameter (38 mm) and slightly larger overall thickness of 10.1 mm.
Now, about those cases. Reference 5575 features an 18k white gold case, while ladies' reference 7175 will be made in 18k rose gold. The bezel on the ladies version features 70 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.6 carats.
A rectangular push-piece at 10 o'clock adjusts the local time in 1-hour increments, while a corrector inset at 2 o'clock adjusts the moon phase display.
Patek Philippe has done away with shoulders around the crown on the slightly re-designed Calatrava-style case.
A solid case back features a celebratory engraving,
Both references feature a solid case back engraved with "PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE 175e Anniversaire 1839 - 2014".
Overall, the design of the round Calatrava-style case isn't a revolutionary departure from the original World Time models. But both trained and untrained eyes will notice one key change compared to former Patek World Time references: there are no shoulders around the crown. As a result, the case design is cleaner, with an uninterrupted line from lug-to-lug. It's a small change, but a wise one considering the highly detailed dial.
A rectangular push-piece at 10 o'clock adjusts the local time in 1-hour increments.
The multi-part dial features two rotating scales for the world time function (the outermost scale lists cities, and the inner rotating scale doubles as a 24-hour dial and day / night indicator.
You'll also something special about the hour-hand: it's a new design meant to recall the Southern Cross constellation – completing a poetic design trifecta on the watch dial consisting of the earth (cities), moon (center display), and stars (the hour hand).
Another nod to the brand's anniversary is visible on the dial: the limited edition World Time Moon uses Patek Philippe's hometown of Geneva to represent Central European Time. (Paris is usually listed for this time zone.)
Men's Reference 5575 will retail for CHF 46,000 and ladies' Reference 7175 will retail for 50,000.
Official prices for both references have been announced:
Men's Reference 5575G-001, limited to 1,300 pieces: CHF 46,000
Ladies' Reference 7175R-001, limited to 450 pieces: CHF 50,000.
For more information, visit Patek Philippe online.