Patek Philippe World Time

About this reference

Patek Philippe produced the Reference 2523 from 1953 through the late 1950s, with the 18k yellow gold (2523J) variant representing the majority of the approximately 26 total units manufactured across all metals. This reference features a 35.5mm case with two crowns: one at 3 o'clock for winding and setting the time, and another at 9 o'clock to rotate the internal city ring. It utilizes the manual-wind caliber 12-400 HU, incorporating Louis Cottier’s world time system. Collectors prioritize this reference for its dual-crown construction and the variety of dial centers, which include plain metal, guilloché, or cloisonné enamel maps. Due to its rarity and historical significance as a mid-century complicated Patek Philippe, market values typically range from $2.5 million to over $8 million. A 2523J with a North America cloisonné enamel dial sold for approximately $7.8 million in 2021.