Andersen Genève Worldtimers Reference Guide
Reference Guide

Andersen Genève Worldtimers Reference Guide

By quattro · Mar 20, 2025 · 16 replies
quattro
WPS member · Independents forum
16 replies4100 views102 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Emmanuel, known as 'quattro' on WatchProSite, undertakes the ambitious task of cataloging the extensive range of Andersen Genève Worldtimers. This article serves as an invaluable resource for collectors, highlighting Svend Andersen's profound influence from his Patek Philippe tenure and his mastery of the Louis Cottier world time complication. Emmanuel's meticulous compilation brings clarity to a complex lineage of independent haute horlogerie.

Bruno.M1's post from yesterday gave me the idea to regroup the many wolrdtimers made by Svend Andersen, who, during his nine years of work at Patek Philippe, became very accustomed to the Louis Cottier world time complication.

A very demanding thread (so many models and information not always clear): I hope you'll enjoy it!

And if you're interested in these watches, this Hodinkee article by Arthur Touchot is very helpful.

Best, Emmanuel


A/ COMMUNICATION (1990)

32 x 7 mm case & F. Piguet Caliber 9.51 base

1/ Unreferenced example in white gold




2/ Communication 24, yellow gold












3/ Communication 5, yellow gold

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complica



Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications


4/ Other unreferenced model in white gold

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

credit: hodinkee (1), a collected man (2-6), passions (7-11) & watch insanity (12)


B/ CHRISTOPHORUS COLUMBUS (1992, commemorating 500 years since Columbus's 1492 voyage - 500 pieces were made in different golds and platinum)

35 x 7 mm case & cal. F. Piguet 951 automatic

1/ Two white gold examples

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications


2/ Rose gold example (among the 500 pieces made, only 50 were made in rose gold)

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications


3/ Yellow gold example (among the 500 pieces made for this model, 300 were in yellow gold) 

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

credit: hodinkee (1), everywatch (2), orologi & passioni (3-10) & @theydid (11-13)


C/ WORLDTIMER CHRONOGRAPH (1992) NB: to know more about this model, please check out the threads by Bruno.M1 here and also here

39 mm case & unknown caliber

1/ Blue dial & yellow (?) gold case

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications


2/ Yellow gold example with white dial

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications


3/ Unknown gold & blue dial

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

credit: hodinkee (1), casowatches (2-10) & dorotheum (11-12)


D/ MUNDUS (1993)

33 x 4.2 mm case & Manual-wind Frederic Piguet cal. 9.51

Platinum

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

credit: hodinkee (1-2), loupe this (3-7) & quill&pad (8-9)


E/ 1884 (2004)

41 x 9 mm case & rotor engraved with a portrait of Sandford Fleming, inventor of worldwide standard time. The 1884 International Meridian Conference accepted his idea of the Greenwich Meridian and a universal day of 24 hours beginning at Greenwich midnight.

1/ Rose gold examples

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, complications








2/ White gold examples













credit: hodinkee (1-2), Ineichen (3-10) & watchpatrol (11-12)


F/ VOYAGE for Japanese retailer Shellman (2005) 50 pieces limited edition made in collaboration with Mr Yoshi Isogai

36 x 9 mm & Base caliber Peseux (1960’) 















credit: shellman-ginzashop-blog


F/ TEMPUS TERRAE (2015) Limited edition of 75 pieces (25 pieces in 18k yellow gold, 25 pieces in 18k white gold and 25 pieces in 18k red gold)

39 x 9mm case & unspecified caliber

1/ Rose gold






2/ Yellow gold








3/ White gold






4/ Baguette bezel (2022)







credit: hodinkee (1), monochrome (2-7) & Andersen Genève (8-10)


G/ CELESTIAL VOYAGER in collaboration with BCHH (Benjamin Chee Haute Horlogerie)

37.8 x 10.1 mm case & high-quality automatic movement, perfected by ANDERSEN Genève

1/ Original Celestial voyager (2021)


















2/ Sunset over Cappadocia (2022)









credit: hodinkee & watch insanity (two last photos only)


3/ Homage to Italy & Supersonic (homage to the Concord - 2023)







credit: watch insanity


4/ Arctic sunrise & Aurora (2023)






5/ Sakura (2024)






H/ HEURES DU MONDE for ASPREY British luxury goods company (2022)

39.8 x 9.9 mm case & High quality automatic movement upgraded by Andersen Genève, 21 jewels













credit: oracle time 


CONCLUSION: A FAMILY PHOTO from the COMMUNICATION to the TEMPUS TERRAE



credit: hodinkee 

About the Fleming Svend Andersen Worldtime Ref. 1884

The Svend Andersen Worldtime reference 1884 represents an early and significant example of the independent watchmaker's work in the world time complication. Drawing on Andersen's extensive experience with Louis Cottier's world time mechanism during his tenure at Patek Philippe, this model showcases a refined approach to displaying multiple time zones simultaneously. It is a key piece for understanding Andersen's contributions to complex horology, particularly in the realm of global time indication.

This reference features a 32mm case with a slender profile of 7mm, housing an automatic movement based on the F. Piguet Caliber 9.51. The compact dimensions allow for a discreet presence on the wrist, while the movement provides reliable timekeeping and world time functionality. The design emphasizes clarity and legibility, essential for a complication of this nature.

For collectors, the Svend Andersen Worldtime 1884 appeals to those interested in independent watchmaking and the historical development of the world time complication. Its direct lineage to Andersen's work at Patek Philippe and his subsequent independent creations makes it a noteworthy acquisition. The model reflects a period when Andersen was establishing his unique identity in high horology, offering a distinct alternative to more mainstream brands.

Specifications

Caliber
F. Piguet Caliber 9.51 base
Case
Yellow Gold
Diameter
32mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
SH
sham1
Mar 20, 2025

Well done and thank you for this elaborate coverage of Svend Andersen's masterpieces! Despite his other works, many will always associate him with worldtimers.

TH
TheMadDruid
Mar 20, 2025

I guess I would be happy to possess any of the variations made over the years-the Shellman stood out to me; the Asprey; and the Tempus Terrae. Seeing Ben Chee's name on one was a big surprise. And it looked good too. Thanks for a comprehensive post.

BR
Bruno.M1
Mar 20, 2025

Yesterday you replied you might want to make a review about Svend Andersen Worldtimers Less than 24 hrs later you write a little book and post a zillion pictures Thanks, it was nice to see and read

BR
bruckner4
Mar 20, 2025

Huge fan of Andersen. I'd opt for one of the smaller, older pieces.

RO
Ronald Held
Mar 20, 2025

From all those photos.

QU
quattro
Mar 20, 2025

I find myself incapable of saying which one speaks to me the most. One of the early variants I think... Best, Emmanuel

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 16 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →