By Jovan Krstevski
To celebrate its 175th anniversary, the Patek Philippe World Time Moon watch limited edition banks on the precise engineering of the past and the ingenuity of the future. This blending always results in classical timepieces but I’m quite surprised just how elegant and future-proof this edition is. Just to note though that the company’s popular world time mechanism of the 1930’s is now sporting a spanking new central moon-phase display. The way I look at it, it’s like an uber complicated wristwatch made for astrology fans. Have I also mentioned that it displays the time in 24 zones, how complicated it could be? Nonetheless, Patek makes it easy to read in just one glance thanks to their expertise in the field of genuine complicated watches.
The World Time Moon comes in two versions: Reference 5575 for Men and 7175 for Ladies. The dial of the gentlemen model with a diameter of 39.8 mm is pretty manly because of the choice of colors and the 18k white gold case is just stunning to look at although it doesn’t really scream for attention but does it in a subtle way. On the other hand, the ladies model with a diameter of 38 mm sports an 18k rose gold case with a bezel glittering with a total of 0.6 carats of 70 flawless Top Wesselton brilliant-cut diamonds. I guess by now your mouths must be gaping wide so if you really want to impress your ladies and of course yourself, you know what to look for.
Interestingly, the index hand looks like a star and I don’t know what to make of the minute hand. The seconds hand is also nowhere to be found, what a shocker! Seriously though, the smooth and clean design of the case simply amplifies what’s inside the dial. Unlike its predecessor, the design of the crown and the rectangular pusher at 10 o’clock and also the tiny corrector inset at 2 o’clock keep the emphasis at the central dial by employing uninterrupted finish all throughout the lugs. The general colors are elegant and the central moon-phase design beats looking at high definition pictures.
An exclusive mechanical self-winding movement 3 Hz Caliber 240 HU LU powers the World Time Moon and is capable of holding a 48-hour maximum power reserve. Unfortunately, the inner workings of the watch made of 270 parts are not visible in the solid case back but the collector in you will appreciate the engraved markings of Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary. Interestingly, it’s water resistant up to 30 m but seriously, whose going to take it down there?
Of course, nothing is more elegant to hold the watch in place than the square scaled alligator strap with hand-stitched tapering differing only in color for each model; shiny black for men and shiny beige for women. The strap is also secured by a fold-over clasp in gold to go with the overall design of the case.
Indeed, the World Time Moon watch is an excellent tribute to the strong heritage of Patek Philippe in the world of high-end watches. For more info, please visit patek.com
Jovan Krstevski – Founder, Proprietor & Executive Editor
Watch collector, aficionado and a Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ His passion jump started in his early teens, when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches! Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. P.S: He is also a huge fan of The Man of Steel/Superman. Read his articles here.
