First Look: Patek Philippe 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Nautilus Watches
This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic timepieces: Nautilus. First unveiled to the world in 1976, the watch (Ref. 3700/A) made history for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the fact that it was built in stainless steel – making it one of the first luxury watches in steel. Now, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Nautilus, Patek Philippe unveils two tribute pieces.
Like the very first Nautilus, which featured two case extension ridges to resemble hinges and was inspired by the ocean liner portholes that could be sealed, the new Nautilus anniversary watches feature bold lateral ridges and deftly blend elegance with sporty function.
The new Nautilus Ref. 5711/1P with stunning blue dial is being offered in a limited edition of just 700 pieces in platinum, each retailing for $113,440. The 44mm watch features a flawless rare white Top Wesselton diamond set into the bezel above the lugs at 6:00. The watch features a rich blue dial – made in 18-karat gold with a graduated bright/dark pattern starting from the center and moving toward the case. The 12 applied baton hour markers are also crafted in 18-karat white gold. Nestled discreetly on the dial is an anniversary notation: “40” and beneath that “1976-2016.“
The watch is powered by the brand’s self-winding caliber 324 S C movement with 21-karat gold central rotor. In typical Patek Philippe style, the movement consists of a host of high-tech materials, including the proprietary Patek Philippe inventions: the Gyromax® balance with Spiromax® balance spring. Every part is finished by hand with circular graining and Geneva stripes. The movement is visible via a sapphire caseback. The watch is sold in a 40th anniversary cork box with polished stainless steel frames for the base and hinged cover to recall the first Nautilus.
The second watch, the Nautilus Chronograph, Ref. 5976 /1G, is being made in a bit larger edition of 1,300 pieces, each retailing for $96,390. The generously sized 49.25mm watch is crafted in 18-karat white gold and features a self-winding flyback chronograph. This watch is powered by the CH 28-520 C automatic movement with start/stop and flyback/reset chronograph functions. The high-tech movement features the patented Spiromax® balance spring made of Silinvar® and is antimagnetic, corrosion resistant and is highly precise – with a rate tolerance of -3 to +2 seconds per day.
The 327-part movement has been finely finished by hand and is visible via a transparent caseback. The stunning blue dial features applied hour markers of flawless Top Wesselton baguette and princess-cut diamonds. This anniversary watch also carries the 40th notation on the dial, and is also sold in the commemorative cork box.
Both timepieces carry the Patek Philippe Seal – attesting to the brand’s ultra high standards of craftsmanship and precision.
