Source: patek.com
Patek Philippe 5513R is the first of a kind World Time Minute Repeater watch that can chime the local time of all the 24 reference time zones. Introduced in 2017 at the Art of Watches Grand exhibition in New York, the 5531R has silenced its critics with this special edition watch. It is an extremely limited edition series as only ten watches were made during the launch. And the initial edition watches showcased the beautiful Manhattan skyline during day and night. And the recent editions shows the amazing Lavaux vineyard terraces situated on the lovely shores of the Lake Geneva.
Even though there were many watches that were made earlier with minute repeaters, but none had the world time complications like the 5531R. In traditional time minute repeaters, the hour snail is not moved by the hour handles motion, but through a 12 pointed star wheel that advanced every tooth per hour based on the movement of the minute snail. And here the minute snail is driven directly through the motion works. It reflects the fact that in traditional repeaters that provide world time doesn’t provide you with the option to change the position of the hour snail based on the change in the time zone. This is where the Patek Philippe 5531R comes on top as the hour snail is moved based on the time zone wheel and hence allowing you to adjust the hour snail.
Source: patek.com
Other innovative mechanisms that come with the 5531R are that you hear the time not at when it starts but at the end of the strike. There are also additional safety measures that provided in the watch to avoid any kind of accidental damages. It is also not possible to adjust the local time in the 5531R when you activate the striking train.
Source: patek.com
Another interesting aspect of the 5531R that makes it stand out from the other Patek Philippe time minute repeater watches is that the gongs are not connected with the plate of the movement, but instead connected to the case band. And according to Thierry Stern, the president of Patek Philippe, the sound of the minute repeater that occurs prior to the delivery enhances the overall acoustic experience of the watch and also makes it stand out from its competitors.
Made using 18k rose gold and German silver, this special edition watch comes with lugs and angled bezels. Patek Philippe has designed the case band and the repeater slides with its signature hobnail motifs. And the pathway for the slider comes with a satin finish. And the 5531R also comes with a unique distinction of having its center decorated with a cloisonné enamel. The 5531R is undoubtedly one of the best time minute repeaters available in the market.
Source: patek.com
