The Nautilus is the most sought-after watch in the world. Most models have been sold. The Swiss watchmaker and American luxury retailer partner, Nautilus, will release a few more models with a bright-blue twist.
Collectors were stunned when Thierry Stern (President of Patek Philippe) announced that the company would discontinue its most popular watch, the NautilusRef. 5711. People waited years to obtain the 5711-1A-010 steel model with a unique blue dial. Why? The Nautilus is an iconic horological design. It’s without a doubt one of the most iconic designs in watches of the 20th Century,” states Paul Boutros (Head of Watches, Americas), who runs a large secondary market business for timepieces. “In the last four to five years, there has been explosive growth in demand for all types of Nautilus watches, particularly the 5711.
Stern announced that the model would soon be discontinued shortly after it was confirmed. Patek Philippe revealed a line of 5711s with olive green dials in April. This was the end for Ref. Ref. 5711 was closed and the frenzy began for those who missed out on the chance to purchase one. Stern did have another trick in his bag. Patek Philippe today announced a limited-edition 5711 featuring a blue dial. This time it’s Tiffany Blue and the final 5711.
Why Tiffany blue? Patek Philippe has no standalone boutiques in the US. It sells watches through authorized dealers. It would surprise many to learn that one of these salons is located in one of New York’s most famous stores, Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue. Tiffany & Co., which was the first American retailer to sell Patek Philippe watches, opened in 1851. The partnership has grown from a distribution business to limited-edition watches with the Tiffany & Co. logos.
Tiffany & Co. is only company in the world that can co-brand Patek Philippe timepieces. These watches are more difficult than the rare 5711. Boutros says that it is extremely rare to find one stamped Tiffany. Collectors adore the prestige of Patek Philippe watches.
Ref. The 170th anniversary celebration of the partnership is celebrated by 5711/1A-018. The dial features Tiffany’s blue trademarked hue and both logos are visible: Patek Philippe (12 o’clock) and Tiffany & Co. (6 o’clock). The Nautilus-designed Nautilus case features include horizontal relief embossing and luminous baton hands. It is powered by the exact self-winding caliber 26-303 S C. The caseback bears the inscribed “170th anniversary 1851-2021 Tiffany & Co. – Patek Philippe”. Only 170 copies will be made. This piece will go down in Patek Philippe’s history as the final 5711.
Alexandre Arnault, CEO of Tiffany & Co. said that Tiffany & Co. was honored to work with Patek Phillipe to create this timepiece to celebrate 170 years of marriage. The Nautilus is a classic design by Patek Phillipe, and we are pleased to offer this limited edition with Tiffany Blue dials for our most discerning clients.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, if you don’t get one in-store, which is likely, will sell one on December 11. All proceeds will go to The Nature Conservancy.
Ref. The 5711/1A-018 retails at $52, 635. It is also available at Tiffany & Co. in New York and San Francisco.
