After three years since its official introduction, today we’ll see one of the most sought-after watches on the world stage: the Nautilus “40th Anniversary” by Patek Philippe.
The first Nautilus was born in 1976 from a Philippe Stern’s idea and the creative genius of Gérald Genta
For the first time in 137 years, the Swiss manufacture broke its traditions designing its first sports watch. It was a true novelty for Patek Philippe and the watch industry as a whole.
The Nautilus Ref. 3700/1A, the first one, immediately shocked everyone despite the nautical inspired shapes, the generous size and the material, steel.
Genta, one of the greatest watch designers of all times, created a captivating timepiece, different from the taste of the era, perfectly balanced between sportiness and class. In just a few years, it became a true horology milestone.
Forty years later
In 2016, to celebrate this masterpiece, the brand decided to introduce two special editions, of course limited, that faced one of the hugest hype ever experienced in watchmaking.
Nautilus Ref. 5711/1P 40th Anniversary Limited Edition
For this important celebration, Patek “dressed in Sunday hat” the classic Nautilus from 1976.
Actually, this model comes in solid platinum, a metal as difficult to shape as to finish and polish.
Dimensions, 40mm diameter and 44mm width, are slightly larger than the first Nautilus, which was already considered an oversized watch back then with its 38mm diameter.
The dial, specially crafted in 18 kt gold, is in typical Nautilus Blue, featuring the characteristic horizontal relief stripes.
On the lower part, in two lines, two distinctive engravings can be found: “40”, for the years, and “1976-2016”.
In such a precious watch, the hour markers can’t be outdone. They are in fact 12 baguette-cut diamonds, which increase the luminosity of the dial.
To complete this watch, we can find the 324 C automatic movement, powered by a heavy 21 kt gold central rotor.
Nautilus Chronograph Ref. 5976/1G 40th Anniversary Limited Edition
This second model is the restyling of the Flyback Chronograph Ref. 5980, that was presented for the Nautilus’ 30th Anniversary back in 2006.
Less precious than the previous, it’s realized in white gold. Despite that, we can still find the light plays obtained from the masterwork finishing, alternating satin and mirror-polish finishes.
Like the previous one, it’s been sized up from the first version (which had a 43mm width) to a 49 mm width and 44mm diameter. The dial is very similar to the 5711/1P, the only difference, apart from the monoregister at 6, is the commemorative engraving “1976-40-2016”, on a single line in the upper part.
The movement, developed and manufactured in house, is the CH 28-520 C, powered by the heavy 21 kt gold central rotor like in the previously seen caliber 324 C.
In such timepieces, indexes could not be less luxurious than the watch itself. There are 12 baguette-cut diamonds perfectly set on the dial, that give added brightness to the blue.
Not many people know that all the platinum models have a single diamond set at 6 o’clock, on the side of the bezel.
Both models were produced in limited edition
700 pieces only for the platinum version and 1300 for the chronograph.
Even though the watches may look similar to their predecessors, they immediately stand out for the seasoned collector because of the refinement and rarity, representing a way to go beyond the iconic status of the model.
2 years past its anniversary…
The limited amount definitely attracted collectors and aficionados (as well as many speculators), ready to pay really high prices to add these pieces to their collection.
Thanks to this fenomena, the market price goes from €200.000 to €300.000 for the time only (5711/1P 40th Anniversary) while the chronograph (5976/1G 40th Anniversary) can be found over €300.000.
(Keep in mind that list prices were almost €86.000 for the first and €101.000 for the second)
Even though they are rare, it takes a small effort (and a huge amount of money) to get one nowadays. As much as they represented a strong investment for those who bought them at list price, we believe that these values are strongly due to speculation and, for this reason, we hope that the lucky owners wear them with pride, joy and…no stickers!
Translated by Lorenzo Spolaor (@itsdoc_oclock)
