Patek Philippe World-Time 1415

Only a handful 1415's per year were conceived during its production run; which started as early as 1937 and lasted less then two decades.

The inventor of this complication style: the genius Louis Cottier from Geneva. He was the first to display both the local time as well as the time across all of the world’s time zones simultaneously in this fashion. This is accomplished by the 24h ring and the locations engraved on the rotating bezel. Powered by manual winding Cal. 12-120 HU.

This timepiece was the the result of a joint effort by Cottier and Patek and was the response to the globalization during the early 20th century. It turned out to be a fruitful collaboration, as this archetypical specimen enjoyed a production run of 17 years before being replaced. This first serially produced World-Time came in different variations.

Starting with the case. Only one has ever surfaced in platinum, and besides 18K yellow gold, around 32 have been produced in pink gold. It measures 31mm and has a 3-piece construction, with the teardrop lugs adding a splash of elegance. The bezel is ridged to improve grip and feature hand-engraved and subsequently enamelled names of cities. Depending on the delivery of the watch the writing can vary. Ours being in French and remaining in strong condition.

Most dials sport this ivory tone and applied baton markers alongside Roman quarters. The text on both the dial and the 24 hour ring are raised enamel. This guarantees the longevity of the beauty, as one should have the zappon layer restored by the maisons artisans once in a blue moon. Don't forget about the characteristic hour hand and faceted minute hand that compliment the other gold details: the sun and moon. All protected under a slightly domed plexiglass crystal.

This piece of art resided in a stateside collection, before it went under the hammer in New York, 2013. Before finding its way to us, the previous owner (an Italian gentleman) added this mesmerising Gay Freres bracelet. Optionally, a leather strap makes it even more classic; how it was delivered back in December 1949. (3 years after date of manufacturing). As Patek said, this watch is for ‘the man whose interests go beyond the horizon.’