What do you think of the two new Nautilus models? We expect you have an opinion about these two anniversary models of the renowned sports watch – everyone does! Whether that opinion is positive or negative makes no difference because some things in this world are simply a given, impervious to opinions.
The Nautilus is the Nautilus. It doesn’t matter what version; a Nautilus is an unassailable phenomenon. The same applies to watches likely the Rolex Datejust or AP’s Royal Oak; people’s opinions simply don’t affect these established values in the haute horlogerie universe.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5976/1G
To celebrate the 40th birthday of the Gerald Genta classic Patek Philippe presents two striking new variants of the Nautilus. The first one is the ref. 5976/1G, a white gold chronograph. At first glance it appears to be a special version of the ref. 5980, but with a dial that prominently highlights the 40th anniversary and adds lustre to that fact with ten baguette-cut diamonds and three princess-cut diamonds. However, there is more to it than that. Although the case houses the calibre CH 28-520 C – an automatic chronograph movement with flyback function, column wheel and vertical linkage – the case is significantly bigger than the 40.5mm case of the ref. 5980. At its widest point the anniversary model measures a sizeable 49.25mm (the case diameter is 44mm) and that makes this Nautilus the biggest one in the 40-year history of the watch. Just like the much smaller ref. 5980 the height is 12.16mm, which means the chronograph doesn’t feel too ‘fat’ on the wrist. That is good news because, as the case and bracelet are chiselled out of white gold, we’re dealing with a very weighty anniversary watch of which 1,300 copies will be built. They will be sold in a box made of cork, just like the original from 1976. At approximately 90,000 euro the price is not the 1976 version but totally today’s value.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1P
The ref. 5711/1P looks simpler than its chronograph cousin and in fact it is, even if the material used for the case and bracelet is platinum. Only 700 copies will be made of the 40mm ref. 5711/1P (44.05mm across the full width of the case) and they will be sold for approximately 110,000 euro including the historically correct cork box. It will be interesting to see what these two references will do in terms of price when the first samples are sold by private owners. The fact that the price will be higher than the official price is a given, but it will be interesting to see by how much. This price barometer gives a good picture of the constancy of the collector’s love for the modern Patek Philippe. Back to the platinum ref. 5711/1P. Of course in essence the Nautilus is a steel sports watch and that also applies to the ref. 5711. It’s interesting to know that between 2011 and 2015 the Geneva watch house would make a platinum ref. 5711 to order. These were very small quantities but still, the new platinum variant didn’t entirely come out of thin air. What is completely new are the 12 baguette-cut diamonds on the dial that once again announce the anniversary in grandiose fashion. Beneath the dial the watch is powered by the familiar calibre 324 S C. So – what you think? We suggest you don’t worry your head about this question: no matter what the answer, nothing will change the indisputable fact that these two Nautilus anniversary models have already taken their place in watch history. What we can do is invite you to pick your favourite Nautilus from the selection shown below.
Reference points
