Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 5110J — State of Qatar "Doha" Edition

Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 5110J — State of Qatar "Doha" Edition, Yellow Gold

Among the most significant special editions within Patek Philippe's modern World Time production, reference 5110J examples customized for diplomatic presentation represent the intersection of haute horlogerie and state protocol. This yellow gold World Time, manufactured in 2000 with "Doha" highlighted in red, was created specifically for the State of Qatar—a designation confirmed by Extract from the Archives and consistent with Patek Philippe's tradition of producing bespoke timepieces for visiting dignitaries and official state gifts.

Historical Context and Rarity

Patek Philippe introduced reference 5110 in 2000 as the successor to the legendary reference 1415 and 2523 World Time models. The 5110 incorporated a patented mechanism allowing intuitive time zone adjustment via the pusher at 10 o'clock, a significant technical advancement over earlier generations. The guilloché center dial—hand-executed on a rose engine —provide visual depth and traditional craftsmanship rarely seen in contemporary production watches.

From 2000 onward, Patek Philippe produced limited special editions of reference 5110 featuring specific cities highlighted in contrasting colors upon request. Notable examples include "Mecca" in emerald green, along with editions for Münster, Dubai, Singapore, and Taipei. These special commissions were typically executed for diplomatic purposes, state gifts, or exclusive retailer requests.

The "Doha" edition in red represents one of these diplomatic commissions, likely presented to Qatari officials or visiting dignitaries as a gesture reflecting bilateral relations. The red highlighting—Patek Philippe's traditional color for special city designations—draws immediate visual attention to Qatar's capital on the 24-hour city ring.

Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by caliber 240 HU, Patek Philippe's ultra-thin automatic world time movement measuring 3.88mm in height. The movement features a micro-rotor in 22K gold, enabling the slim case profile while providing efficient winding. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour with 33 jewels, the caliber 240 HU delivers a minimum 48-hour power reserve.

The world time mechanism allows simultaneous display of time across all 24 time zones through two independently rotating discs: an inner disc displaying 24 cities representing each time zone, and an outer 24-hour ring indicating day/night periods. Adjusting the local time zone requires a single press of the pusher at 10 o'clock, which advances both the hour hand and the city disc forward by one hour while the minute hand continues uninterrupted—a patented system that simplified world time operation compared to earlier references requiring crown manipulation.

Movement finishing includes rhodium plating, côtes de Genève on the micro-rotor, circular graining on the baseplate, and beveled edges throughout.

Case and Dial

The 18K yellow gold case measures 37mm in diameter—a classical proportion . The case features a slim profile of approximately 10mm total thickness, enabled by the caliber 240 HU's 3.88mm height. Polished bezel, downturned lugs, and integrated crown guards at 10 o'clock (housing the time zone adjustment pusher) characterize the design. The exhibition sapphire caseback reveals the micro-rotor and movement finishing.

The dial architecture comprises multiple layers: a hand-guilloché center disc executed on a rose engine lathe, creating concentric circular patterns that provide three-dimensional depth and capture light dynamically. Surrounding this center, an enamel chapter ring displays Roman numeral hour markers in a classical style. The outermost ring lists 24 cities representing each time zone, with "DOHA" rendered in red lacquer. A 24-hour ring with alternating light/dark sections indicates day and night periods for each time zone.

Case and Movement Numbers

Case No. 4'099'XXX
Movement No. 3'206'XXX

These numbers are consistent with year 2000 production.

Presentation and Condition

This example is presented in good condition reflecting careful preservation since its original sale on October 30, 2000. Case finishing remains crisp with well-defined edges and polished surfaces showing minimal wear consistent with limited use.

The watch is fitted to a black crocodile leather strap with an 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp, signed and hallmarked.

Documentation

Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the "Doha" city designation in red, manufacture in 2000, and subsequent sale on October 30, 2000. Accompanied by Patek Philippe presentation box and outer packaging.

Certification and Service

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