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The Patek Philippe ref. 5131 is a modern iteration of the ingenious worldtime watch that was conceived by Louis Cottier in 1931.The genius of the Louis Cottier-style worldtime complication is that it simultaneously displays the local time as well as the time across all of the world’s time zones on one dial. It works as follows. The dial consists of two concentric rotating rings. The outer ring—displaying the names of the cities corresponding to each timezone—runs clockwise, while the inner 24-hour ring runs counter-clockwise. The local time zone (for instance, Moscow) is placed at the 12 o’clock position by engaging the pusher located at the upper left hand side of the case. The hands can then be adjusted to the correct time using the crown. When doing so, the 24-hour ring automatically adjusts itself to this time as well. As a result, the correct local time can be read with the hands, while the correct time in each time zone is displayed simultaneously alongside the 24-hour ring.The ingenuity of the worldtime complication is matched by the magnificence of the dial. Not only does the dial display time in an inventive way, but it also leaves room for a true piece of art: a cloisonné enamel center disc depicting Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Cloisonné enamel is an ancient technique where thin gold wires are painstakingly applied by hand. The resulting compartments are filled with enamel paste and the entire setup is then fired in a kiln, resulting in a beautiful and intricate image with lively colors. This process is highly labor intensive and requires highly skilled craftspeople.  The ref. 5131J is executed in a dressy 18k yellow-gold case, measuring a healthy 39.5 mm. Despite its rather large size for a dressy watch, the incorporation of an ultra thin automatic movement with a 21k yellow gold microrotor (which can be viewed in all its glory through the sapphire crystal caseback), the watch maintains a sleek profile and can still comfortably slip under a shirt cuff.The ref. 5131J was introduced in 2008 and discontinued after only a few years. Due to the labor intensive dial production process, only a few dozen were made every year. As a result, this watch is one of the most collectible modern Patek’s in existence.The 39.5 mm case is executed in 18k yellow gold and features an elegant bezel that is engraved “Patek Philippe” and “Genève”. We’ve combined the watch with an exquisite handmade chocolate brown leather Hermès strap and an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp. The original, unused, alligator leather Patek strap is also included.The watch comes as a full set with the original inner and outer boxes, leather folder, booklets, and stamped certificate of origin.