News: Patek Philippe Nautilus 40th Anniversary
When the Nautilus was unveiled in 1976, it was right in the middle of the Quartz Crisis. Prestigious watchmakers who had for centuries been producing highly complicated mechanical movements suddenly found that the game had changed, as the public clamoured for highly accurate—and much more affordable—quartz movements. In answer to the crisis, Patek Philippe collaborated with legendary watchmaker Gérald Genta, who had already developed a game-changing watch for Audemars Piguet in the guise of the Royal Oak. Creating the first sports watch in the brand’s long and distinguished history, the Nautilus was born.
The Nautilus featured the distinctive porthole-inspired design that was Genta’s trademark. It combined the sportiness of stainless steel with ultra-high end design and engineering, and became an enduring classic in the brand’s collection. Now, 40 years later, Patek Philippe is celebrating the anniversary of its iconic sports watch with two new limited edition models for 2016.
Limited to just 700 pieces, the 5711/1P marks the occasion in platinum, in place of the stainless steel of the original watch. Measuring 40mm in diameter, it’s an homage to the 3700/1A of 1976, and is similarly simple and beautifully understated, featuring a discreet date window at 3 o’clock. The 5976/1G meanwhile, which is numbered to 1,300 pieces, is a shade bigger at 44mm, and comes in white gold. The 5711/1P is powered by the superb automatic calibre 324 S C, while the CH 28-520 C of the 5976/1G features a flyback chronograph, making use of a column wheel and vertical clutch. The chronograph subdials are cleverly arranged in one position above 6 o’clock
The dials for both are deep blue, and feature the familiar embossed design of the Nautilus. A discreet 40 year anniversary logo is also engraved into the dial, which is punctuated by indices made of diamond. The watches are a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Nautilus—a classic sports watch with an elegant and enduring design.
