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Louis Cottier developed the world time mechanism and filed a patent for it in 1931. The first examples as writwatches date from 1937 using the famous design of the calatrava under Ref. 96 HU (Heures Universelles). Over its 85 years, the Patek Philippe World Time in both pocket watch format with the glorious reference 605 HU and across all 17 wristwatch iterations has been a resplendent playground for Patek’s signature artistry in case, dial and hand design. Finally, this complication also represents a wonderful collaboration between the world’s most revered haute horlogerie maison and a watchmaker named Louis Cottier, who would become one of the 20th century’s most significant horological figures.
Ref. 605 HU, made 1948, pink gold open face keyless world time pocket watch with polychrome cloisonné enamel dial representing a map of North America, manual winding, calibre 17'-170 HU, swan-neck micrometer regulator. One of only four known, decorated with the world map. This is one of only two known examples.