The Nautilus, perhaps the most desired watch in the world, was set to retire in 2022, with most models having sold out. However, the Swiss watchmaker and its American luxury retailer partner will only release a few more, this time in a vivid blue tone.
Collectors were devastated earlier this year when Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern revealed that the company’s most cherished watch, the Nautilus Ref. 5711, would be retired. People waited years – a ten-year waiting was rumored — to get their hands on the 5711-1A-010, a steel model with a striking blue dial. Why?
The Nautilus is a horological icon. Without any doubt, it’s one of the greatest designs of the 20th century in watches, says Paul Boutros, Head of Watches, Americas for Phillips auction house, which does a large business in secondary market timepieces. In the past four or five years, we’ve seen explosive growth and demand for any type of Nautilus watch, especially the 5711.
Stern promised a swan song for the vehicle shortly after announcing its retirement. Patek Philippe debuted a line of 5711s with olive-green dials in April. The conclusion of Ref. 5711 sparked a frenzy among individuals who had missed out on the chance to purchase one. Stern, on the other hand, had one more trick up his sleeve. Patek Philippe released a new limited-edition 5711 with a blue dial. This time, however, it’s Tiffany blue, and it’s the last 5711.
Why is Tiffany blue so popular? Patek Philippe does not have standalone stores in the United States. Instead, it sells watches through a network of approved retailers.
Patek Philippe’s first official retailer in the United States was Tiffany & Co., which began selling Patek Philippe watches in 1851. Since then, the partnership has grown to include limited-edition watches bearing both the Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. brands.
Tiffany & Co. is the only store in the world with the exclusive permission to co-brand Patek Philippe timepieces. These timepieces are much more difficult to acquire than the 5711.
It’s extremely rare to find one with a Tiffany stamp, says Boutros. It’s the prestige factor, and it’s that extra magic on the dial of a Patek Philippe watch that collectors covet so greatly.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 celebrates the company’s 170th anniversary. The dial is Tiffany’s signature blue, with both Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. logos: Patek Philippe at 12 o’clock and Tiffany & Co. at 6 o’clock. The Gerald Genta-designed case, horizontal relief embossing on the dial, and luminous baton hands and hour markers are all hallmark Nautilus design elements. It is driven by the 26-330 S C self-winding caliber. “170th Anniversary 1851-2021 Tiffany & Co. – Patek Philippe” is inscribed on the caseback. Only 170 pieces will be produced, and being the true final 5711, it will undoubtedly go down in Patek Philippe history.
Tiffany & Co. is honored to partner with Patek Phillipe on this special timepiece to mark 170 years together, said CEO Alexandre Arnault in a statement. The Nautilus is one of the most iconic designs offered by Patek Phillipe and we are proud to introduce this special edition featuring Tiffany Blue dials to our most discerning clients.
If you miss your chance to acquire one in stores, which you likely will, Phillips in collaboration with Bacs & Russo will auction one off with all revenues going to The Nature Conservancy.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 is offered at Tiffany & Co. in New York, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills for $52, 635.
