I guess I have to begin by saying what everyone already knows: The Nautilus has to be the most popular watch of the last five years.
First released in the 1970’s, the Nautilus, designed by none other than Gerald Genta himself, was a crazy, avant-garde sports watch in stainless steel that sold for an eye-watering price. While the Royal Oak was designed in this same sense, Audemars Piguet was largely seen as the bad boys of the industry and when Patek Philippe followed suit, clients and critics alike who were used to seeing elegant dress watches were shocked to see that they followed in the footsteps of Audemars Piguet. This was further reinforced by the fact that both were designed by the same man! The Ref. 3700 ‘Jumbo’, the first Nautilus model ever made, of course as we know managed to defy the odds and today is one of the holy grails of vintage Patek Philippe.
Fast forward to 2006, and Patek Philippe releases the heir apparent to the Ref. 3700 ‘Jumbo’, the Ref. 5711. Featuring an ultra-slim 8.3mm case, it is so thin not only for a sports watch but in general, sliding easily under the cuff of a shirt. And while the stainless-steel model has been the centre of attention and has been around for the longest, in 2015 Patek Philippe released what you see here today- the Ref. 5711R.
I'm aware that gold watches have somewhat receded in popularity in recent times. While I'm a staunch admirer of the steel version, there's an undeniable aura surrounding this rose gold variant that sets it apart. The weight it carries is substantial, and its presence on the wrist is truly remarkable. Featuring a chocolate brown ridged dial and an integrated bracelet, it's safe to say that this watch is adorned with a generous amount of gold!
The Ref. 5711R was produced in significantly smaller quantities compared to its steel counterpart and boasted a similarly extensive waitlist. As with all Nautilus models, it features impeccable case finishing, with meticulously polished bevels and finely brushed surfaces. Additionally, the news of its discontinuation last year means that no more Ref. 5711s will ever be made, rendering it even more coveted and desirable among collectors.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus truly stands as the epitome of a luxury sports watch, seamlessly blending bold, brutalist design features with an elegant and well-proportioned profile. It exudes a remarkable sense of coolness, and in the case of the Ref. 5711 model, it maintains a remarkable purity, staying true to the original Genta-designed Ref. 3700 'Jumbo' from four decades ago while adding a touch of opulent allure with its additional splendour.
