Haute Complication: Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref.5740/1G
When one of the most desired sports watches in the world is fitted with a refined and complex movement, magic happens. This has for sure been the case with the Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref.5740/1G. Upon introduction, it took the famous Gerald Genta design to new heights as it has never before been fitted with a perpetual calendar caliber. It can in many ways be seen as combining the best of both worlds: the iconic look of the Nautilus, with one of the sophisticated, complex movements Patek Philippe is known for.
The design of the Ref.5740/1G remains instantly recognizable as a Nautilus, mainly because Patek Philippe integrated the subdials for the perpetual calendar in a symmetrical way on the familiar dial, without altering the shape of the case or bracelet. While it offers a lot of information, it looks organized and clean. It is essential for the Nautilus to have a strong visual impact as it is a sport watch, and does not look like a hybrid with a dress watch complication. For this, going for a blue dial is another clever way to avoid this. As it is fitted with such a refined movement, Patek Philippe opted to make the case and bracelet from white gold. With this, the watch maintains its white metal sports watch look, yet the material is brought more in line with its precious nature.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref.5740/1G is equipped with caliber 240 Q. It is needless to say that this movement is crafted in the brand’s own manufacture. It consists out of 275 parts and is with a height of just 3.88 mm, remarkably slim. It is powered by a micro-rotor, made from 22 karat gold to give it additional substance to wind as efficiently as possible. Thanks to Patek Philippe’s proprietary Gyromax balance and Spiromax balance spring, precision at a very high level is ensured. The movement, and its superb finishing, can also be admired through the sapphire caseback of the Nautilus, making it both inside and out one of the most desirable sports watches currently available.
