PATEK PHILIPPE | WORLD TIME, REFERENCE 5131G-001 WHITE GOLD WORLD TIME WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DIAL MADE IN 2010

Dial: silvered, cloisonné enamel Calibre: cal. 240 HU automatic, 33 jewels Movement number: 5’530’456Case: 18ct white gold, screw-down sapphire crystal display back Case number: 4’500’999 Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap with 18ct white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on August 19th, 2010, Patek Philippe service invoice and user manual, presentation case

DIAL: in excellent condition, hands in excellent condition CASE: in very good condition with very minor signs of wear MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, world-time function working correctly. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Patek Philippe launched the reference 5131 in 2008. First introduced in yellow gold, the white gold version, as the present example, was also unveiled at Baselworld the following year. Today discontinued, the 5131G is considered both as an horological marvel as well as a work of art with its hand painted cloisonné enamel dial depicting four continents, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania.  Due to the laborious nature of the enamelling process, Patek Philippe only produces a limited number of this reference every year, making this a highly sought-after watch among collectors. The reference was in fact already subject to a long waiting list at the time of production. Additionally, each dial is individually enameled by hand, resulting in no two dials being identical.

As the perpetual calendar chronograph pieces, the World Time watches are iconic models from Patek Philippe. The manufacture has kept the essence of the early references such as the 1415 which was first introduced in 1939 and engineered by Louis Cottier. Coincidentally, the first 1415 with an enamel dial, also depicting a map, was made exactly 60 years before the 5131 was introduced. 

Until today, less than 25 examples of the 5131G have appeared on the market. The present lot is offered on behalf of an important private collector, in immaculate condition, just serviced by Patek Philippe and accompanied by all its original accessories.