Watches And Wonders 2021: Patek Philippe
New Nautilus models headline Patek Philippe’s Watches and Wonders showcase.
Fresh from its announcement in end-2020 that the production of its perpetually in-demand Nautilus stainless steel model Ref. 5711/1A would be discontinued this year, Patek Philippe is wasting no time to appoint new successors to the throne. At its Watches and Wonders debut, the Geneva-based, family-run company has unveiled FOUR new Nautilus references that will surely send fanboys rushing to hit up their sales contacts.
First up, the new Ref. 5711/1A-014 (above), already billed by collectors as the new catch-me-if-you-can stainless steel Nautilus. Brandishing a lovely sunburst olive green dial – a first for the Nautilus collection –the Ref. 5711/1A-014 bears all its predecessor’s signatures that include the horizontally embossed dial, variety of finishing techniques on the case and bracelet, dial configuration with date at three o’clock and automatic 26-330 SC movement with stop-seconds function and 45-hour power reserve. Additionally, there is a companion piece, the Ref. 5711/1300A (below), which shares the same specs as the Ref. 5711/1A-014, with the extra oomph of 32 baguette-cut diamonds totalling 3.6 carats on the bezel.
Detractors might argue that it’s just a different dial colour for the green Ref. 5711. But in wider context of the Ref. 5711/1A-014 being a replacement for Patek Philippe’s most hotly coveted but off-the-market offering, the popular view is that the new variant arrives with cult status fully bestowed.
That said, Patek aficionados who prefer their Nautilus amped with extra servings of mechanical marvels and gilded finery are also in for a treat – or two. The Nautilus Ref. 5990/1R (above), which features a flyback chronograph and Travel Time function, now comes in a 40.5mm rose gold variant with bracelet, matched with a royal blue dial. One may consider this a true baller version of the stainless steel Nautilus Ref. 5990/1R that was introduced in 2014.
While on the topic of ballers, the most extravagant Nautilus award of the year has to go to the 7118/1450R. A sensational dazzler, this haute joaillerie version of the Nautilus is encased in rose gold and comes fully paved with diamonds on the 35.2mm case, dial and bracelet. Here the precious metal takes a supporting role as it provides the backdrop and outlines the Nautilus famous porthole silhouette, bracelet links, wave motif on the dial, and time indicators. Up to 12.69 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds – that’s 2,553 stones on this baby – sheath this spectacular glitter goddess. Just like its soon-to-be-waitlisted stainless steel sibling, this is a watch that will definitely launch a thousand dinner conversations.
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