In 2014 Patek Philippe celebrated its 175th anniversary by releasing a collection of luxury limited edition watches that ranged from their Grandmaster Chime timepiece, to elegant platinum hourly chiming Jump Hour, a selection of multi-scale chronograph watches and like the present, a World Time wristwatch with moon phase. The collection was the epitome of the brand’s long and prestigious history reflecting on complicated movements and aesthetic design. The reference 5575, which was also released in a woman’s version with diamonds, Please see next lot, is a reinterpretation of previous world time watches like the references 5110 and 5130. The limited-edition case featured lyre-style lugs, and no crown guards found on the earlier models. The watch featured the upgraded calibre 240 LU HU, an ultra-thin micro-rotor automatic with moon phase function. This was the first time Patek Philippe included a second complication to their famed World Time collection.

The reference 5575 is a classic clean model enhanced with the moon phase. Watchmakers manufactured two thin discs, which centre the watch face allowing the wearer to see a starry night with a waxing and waning moon as each month progresses. In a twist to their traditional world time complications, the Central European time zone, which typically features the city Paris, was changed to Geneva in honour of the home city of Patek Philippe. The model was produced in 1300 white gold examples and is a wonderful tribute to one of the brands most iconic complications, the world time wristwatch, which they first introduced in the 1930s. The present example is in excellent overall condition and is offered for the first time at auction complete with a certificate of origin, presentation box and commemorative coin. The new case design and technical movement give collectors a new look at a brand that has been a leader in the world of horology for more than 175 years.