Launched as a limited edition at the Patek Philippe grand exhibition ‘Watch Art’ held in Tokyo in June 2023, reference 5330 now enters the manufacture’s regular collection with the release of the new World Time Date ref. 5330G-001. It is distinguished by a patented world first: a date display synchronized with local time; that is, the time in the time zone selected at the 12 o’clock position on the city disk and indicated by the center hands. To make the user experience as practical and comfortable as possible, Patek Philippe tasked its engineers with coupling the date display mechanically with the local time with no need for correction.

Meeting this challenge required that the date adjust automatically in the two situations entailing a change: past midnight, when the date advances to that of the following day; and when crossing the International Date Line —in the middle of the Pacific Ocean— from west to east, where the date goes back by a day. To provide this useful function, the manufacture developed a new movement, caliber 240 HU C. A patented central differential system comprising two concentric star-type gear wheels manages the local time date. The video below provides the best explanation possible of how this new movement works.

Things to Know About the Watch

Cased in 18K white gold with a case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 11.57 mm in thickness, the new World Time Date ref. 5330G-001, like some of its siblings this year, is delivered on a calfskin strap with a denim pattern in a blue-gray color and equipped with an 18K white gold fold-over clasp.

For the first time at Patek Philippe, the date display mode comprises a transparent hand made of glass with a hammer-shaped tip in red lacquer that moves along a transfer-printed scale from 1 to 31, to avoid this relatively static hand’s disturbing the legibility of the other information.

All adjustments for the World Time complication are controlled via the crown and the pusher located on the case band at 10 o’clock. The new reference 5330G-001 stands out by its refined and highly distinctive appearance. Its opaline dial center in an elegant shade of blue-gray is adorned with a carbon motif.

The 24-hour disk is subdivided into day and night zones, identified respectively by a small gilt sun on a silvered background symbolizing noon and a gilt crescent moon on a blue-gray ground symbolizing midnight. On the city disk, a red dot between Auckland and Midway marks the International Date Line. The date is displayed on the flange by a red-tipped central glass hand.

The Movement

Turning the watch over reveals the automatic movement calibre 240 HU C powering this new watch. The mechanism features 24-hour and day/night indications for all 24 time zones. This 306-part movement features a 22K gold micro-rotor and provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound.

On the Wrist & Price

On the wrist, the new Patek Philippe World Time Date ref. 5330G-001 wears true to its size. Wearing the new World Time with Date is an experience that transcends mere functionality; it is an embodiment of tradition, luxury, and precision on the wrist. The subtle elegance exuded by this new watch effortlessly elevates any ensemble, serving as a symbol of refined taste and sophistication. The artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating each timepiece are a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to excellence. As the wearer looks down at its wrist and sees the different time zones and a date indication that is a testament to a feat of horology, this watch is not just telling the time across the world but representing a piece of horological mastery that stands the test of time.

Sticker Price USD 76,590. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.