Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, presents an in-depth look at the Patek Philippe Ref. 515 HU, a unique World Time wristwatch from 1937. His detailed photographic essay and historical context illuminate this significant piece, currently housed in the Patek Philippe Museum. This article explores why this particular reference holds such a special place among collectors and within Patek Philippe's horological legacy.
The
Patek Philippe Ref. 515 HU (Heures Universelles) is a
piece unique dating from
1937, now
on display at the
Patek Philippe Museum (Inv. P-938).
The
dial features
28 fixed city names in
French with
London and
Paris at
12 o'clock.
The
24h rotating ring is
adjustable through the
crown.
This watch was
sold by
Antiquorum as
lot 502 on April 10th,
1994 (and probably acquired by the Patek Philippe Museum on that occasion).
The
watch and its
movement are
described on pages 246 & 247 of
Patek Philippe Genève Wristwatches (2nd edition) by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery.
Notice the
typo in the English translation: “
551” instead of “
515”
Dial side of the
movement.
Back of the
movement.
The
description of the watch in the
Catalogue of the
Patek Philippe Museum, together with
another important early World Time wristwatch, the ref.
96 HU.
Aesthetically, I think this is my
absolute favorite World Time wristwatch made by
Patek Philippe.
What about you? Do you like the design?
Thanks for looking.
Best, Emmanuel
About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 515
The Patek Philippe Ref. 515 HU (Heures Universelles) is a piece unique World Time wristwatch from 1937, now on display at the Patek Philippe Museum (Inv. P-938). This
extraordinary timepiece features a dial with 28 fixed city names in French, with London and Paris positioned at 12 o'clock, and a 24-hour rotating ring adjustable through
the crown. As one of the earliest World Time wristwatches ever made, predating the more widely known Ref. 1415, the 515 HU represents a pivotal moment in Patek Philippe's
horological innovation and the development of world time complications.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Manual-wind
- Case
- 18K Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 31mm
- Dial
- Silver with 28 city names
- Crystal
- Mineral
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5130
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5130, introduced in 2006, is a World Time watch that succeeded the popular reference 5110. This model maintained the distinctive World Time complication, allowing for simultaneous display of time in 24 different time zones. Its design evolved with a slightly larger case and updated dial aesthetics, distinguishing it from its predecessor while retaining the core functionality that defines Patek Philippe's travel timepieces. It was produced until 2017.
The watch features an 18k rose gold case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 9.8mm in thickness, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU movement. This ultra-thin movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The dial is silver or opaline with a guilloché center, protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.
Reference 5130 appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated travel complication from Patek Philippe. Its larger case size compared to the 5110 offered a more contemporary presence on the wrist, while its classic World Time mechanism remained a hallmark of the brand's technical prowess. The model was available in various precious metals, with the rose gold variant offering a warm aesthetic.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal.240 HU
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 39.5mm
- Dial
- Silver / opaline guilloché
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
