Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 2016 Reference No: 5230G Movement No: 7’366’382 Case No: 6’434’770 Model Name: World Time, Kuwait Edition Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe fitted winding presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Knowing that a timepiece has direct links to royalty often adds a certain gravitas that is hard to put into words, almost incomparable to anything else. Coming across double-signed watches sold by esteemed retailers or military-issued pieces are exciting, but watches with a provenance accompanied by a Royal emblem are in a league of their own.
Appearing in auction for the first time, the present timepiece is not your average Patek Philippe ref. 5230. A rare collectible, this Kuwait Edition World Time is based on the original reference with two obvious differences that sets it apart from the rest. Starting with the dial, the 24 world cities chapter ring has been updated with “Moscow” removed to make way for “Kuwait”, highlighted in a bright regal red tone. Notably, the two regions share the same Arabian timezone of GMT+3, which explains the astute design decision. In addition, the sapphire caseback is graced with a highly desirable Emblem of Kuwait, prominently outlined in black.
Fresh-to-the-market, the present Kuwait Edition World Time is offered in excellent overall condition with its fitted winding presentation box. Produced in very limited examples, these extremely rare timepieces were commissioned by the Royal Court of Kuwait and were supposedly gifted to dignitaries as a token of gratitude. Combining its rarity, condition and desirable unusual features, this wristwatch is undoubtedly a sight to behold, destined to captivate collectors and admirers of extraordinary Patek Philippe treasures.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
Ref. 5230G A very fine and rare limited edition white gold world time wristwatch with guilloche dial and presentation box, commissioned by the Royal Court of Kuwait
Circa 2016 38.5mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed