Patek Philippe World Time Complications 5130R-001: A Masterpiece Unveiled

In the elite circle of luxury watchmaking, few names shine as brightly as Patek Philippe. Known for its impeccable craftsmanship and groundbreaking complications, this Swiss icon has long set the standard for excellence. Among its treasures, the World Time complication stands out—a perfect blend of utility and artistry tailored for the jet-setting elite. Enter the reference 5130R-001: a 39.5mm rose gold marvel that captures this legacy with flair. Discontinued since 2016, it’s a collector’s dream, merging sophisticated mechanics with timeless style. Let’s dive into what makes this timepiece a legend.

The Look: Dial, Case, and Strap Breakdown

The dial of the 5130R-001 is a visual feast. A silver canvas sparkles with a sunburst guilloché finish—think intricate, radiating lines that dance in the light. Rose gold hands and baton markers add a warm glow, with the standout ring-shaped hour hand tipping its hat to Patek’s vintage World Time pieces from the ‘30s and ‘40s. It’s heritage you can wear.

Function meets form on the outer edges. A city ring lists 24 global locales, each tied to a time zone, while a 24-hour ring splits day and night with clever shading—light for daytime, dark for night, often with sun and moon accents. It’s a snapshot of the world’s clocks, readable at a glance thanks to those sharp baton markers. Complexity? Yes. Confusion? Never.

The 39.5mm case, carved from 18k rose gold, radiates understated luxury with its polished sheen. A sleek bezel frames the sapphire crystal up top, while a crown with sturdy shoulders and a subtle 10 o’clock pusher handle adjustments. Flip it over, and a sapphire case back reveals the magic inside—a Patek signature. Bigger than its 37mm predecessor (the ref. 5110), it’s modern without shouting. Water resistance hits 30 meters—fine for splashes, not swims.

Wrapping it up is a hand-stitched alligator strap in brown or black, paired with a rose gold deployant buckle. It’s plush, secure, and built to last, proving every detail counts.

The Heart: Inside the Caliber 240 HU

Powering this beauty is the Caliber 240 HU, a self-winding gem that’s as clever as it is gorgeous. At 27.50mm wide and just 3.88mm thick, it packs 239 parts and 33 jewels into a slim package. A 22k gold micro-rotor winds it up, keeping the profile lean while delivering a 48-hour power reserve. Ticking at 3 Hz (21,600 vph), it’s precise, with a Gyromax balance and Spiromax spring sealing the deal.

Peek through the case back, and you’ll see artistry in motion: Côtes de Genève waves, beveled edges, engine-turned plates, and satin-finished wheels. Black-polished screws add flair, and it’s all practical too—those finishes fight corrosion. The “HU” (Heure Universelle) tag means it’s built for World Time, syncing all 24 zones with a press of that 10 o’clock pusher. It shifts the hour hand and rings smoothly, leaving the minutes steady—a patented Patek trick.

The Backstory: From Past to Present

The World Time tale begins in the 1930s with Louis Cottier, a genius who cracked multi-zone displays. Patek jumped in early, crafting classics like the 96HU, the 1415HU (1939’s first production run), and the 2523HU with its dual-crown tweak. Fast forward to 2000, and the ref. 5110 brought it back with a 37mm case and pusher system. Then came 2006’s ref. 5130—39.5mm, sunray dial, and all—running until 2016 when the ref. 5230 took over. The 5130R-001 in rose gold? A star of that era.

What the Watch World Says

Fans can’t get enough of the 5130R-001. That ring-shaped hand and guilloché dial win hearts, while the micro-rotor movement earns nods for style and slimness. It’s called a “masterpiece” for a reason—perfect for globetrotters and sleek enough to impress. Some even say it outshines newer models, proving its design holds a special edge.

The Market: Worth and Wow Factor

Pre-owned, the 5130R-001 ranges from $20,000s to $40,000s, depending on condition, papers, and provenance. Auctions often hit $20,000–$30,000, with top-tier pieces climbing higher. Its 2016 exit boosts rarity, and rose gold plus World Time cred keep it hot. Limited editions—like “Dubai” or “Mecca”—fetch even more.

Mixing It Up: Variants and Specials

Beyond the rose gold 5130R-001, the 5130 family includes yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. Special runs swap city names—think “Tokyo” (3 pieces) or “Shanghai” (25 pieces)—for extra exclusivity. A bracelet version, the 5130/1R-001, ditches leather for rose gold links. These twists make every piece a prize.

Keeping It Fresh: Care Tips

Service it every 3–5 years at a Patek pro to keep the 240 HU humming. Skip magnets, heat, and bangs, and test water resistance yearly. Wear it often—or use a winder—and pamper that leather strap by dodging sun and water. Handle with care, and it’s yours for decades.

The Verdict: A Traveler’s Timeless Gem

The Patek Philippe World Time 39.5mm 5130R-001 is pure brilliance. Rose gold glow, guilloché dazzle, and a movement that sings through sapphire—it’s peak Patek. Built for the world-wanderer, cherished by collectors, it’s a discontinued icon that still shines. Care for it right, and it’s more than a watch—it’s a legacy.

Specs at a Glance

Model Number	5130R-001
Case Material	18k Rose Gold
Case Diameter	39.5mm
Water Resistance	3 ATM (30m)
Crystal	Sapphire (front/back)
Dial	Silver, Sunburst Guilloché
Movement	Caliber 240 HU
Power Reserve	~48 hours
Strap	Alligator (Brown/Black)
Clasp	18k Rose Gold Deployant