In case you are not aware – the Patek Philippe Nautilus is one of the most desirable and collectible timepieces in the watch world today.
First released in the 1970s, the Nautilus, designed by none other than Gerald Genta himself, was a crazy, avant-garde sports watch in stainless steel that sold for an eye-watering price. While the Royal Oak was designed in this same sense, Audemars Piguet was largely seen as the bad boys of the industry and when Patek Philippe followed suit, clients and critics alike who were used to seeing elegant dress watches were shocked to see that they followed in AP’s footsteps. This was further reinforced by the fact that both were designed by the same gentleman. The reference 3700 ‘Jumbo’, the first Nautilus model ever made, of course as we know managed to defy the odds and today is one of the holy grails of vintage Patek Philippe collecting.
In today’s market, you will find a myriad of Nautilus models with different complications. From chronographs to calendars to Travel Times, there is a complication for everyone. This particular reference, the 5712G in white gold, which is the successor to the 3712, features a calendar function, moon phase, and a power reserve indicator, all laid out in a beautifully asymmetrical and seemingly disorderly format. The dial follows the DNA of the original Nautilus, with its familiar ridged dial, and is colored with a subtle yet classy slate gray. With a thickness of 8.52mm, it is only 0.2 mm thicker than the time only 5711 and remains an ultra-thin sports watch.
As far as wearability goes, it is definitely one of the most versatile watches on the market, it is thin enough to slide under the cuff but at the same time, commands a respectable presence on the wrist for any occasion. Powering the 5712G is the caliber 240 PS IRM C LU, which is a beautifully finished movement featuring a 22k gold micro-rotor. The case also features micro pushers at the side of the case at 4 and 8 o’clock positions for the calendar and the moon phase. Despite looking quite cluttered in its overall aesthetic and design, the 5712G is actually quite simple and easy to use.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is really the ultimate luxury sports watch, combining brutalist design elements with an elegant profile and sizing. It is not hard to see why the Nautilus has arguably epitomized the elegant sports watch archetype since its introduction in the ‘70s.
At the end of the day, the Nautilus remains one of the most refined and iconic timepieces of our time, and we believe that demand for these timepieces will only increase over time.