Introduction to the Patek Philippe Nautilus Icon Watch

　　Time flows mercilessly and leaves its marks, but time is never unkind to the sporty yet elegant Nautilus. In 2016,Patek Philippethe Nautilus collection welcomes its 40 anniversary. Since its launch, the Nautilus has remained virtually unchanged, and its retro, refined appearance makes it an enduring design classic; let us take a look at the Patek Philippe Nautilus icon together.

　　Introduction to the Patek Philippe Nautilus Icon

　　Back in 1976, Patek Philippe officially launched the Nautilus collection. The Nautilus belongs to a very special generation, with only a handful of models enjoying such an enviable status. The Nautilus is not merely Patek Philippe's most sporty stainless steel watch; it is also full of elegant charm, highly sought after by the market and favoured by collectors. At first glance, the Nautilus is not a classic in the traditional sense. Unlike models produced in the 1950s and 1960s, the design of the Nautilus is truly unique. Although named after the most famous submarine in literature (Jules Verne's novel), the Nautilus is not a diving watch. Its original water resistance of 120 metres is not particularly outstanding. Ultimately, the success and reputation of the Nautilus stem from its unique personality.

　　Patek Philippe Nautilus Icon Watch Recommendation

　　1. Nautilus Ref.5980-1AR-001 stainless steel and two-tone watch

　　Historically, the appearance of the Nautilus has altered very little, differing greatly from other iconic collections that have changed their looks multiple times. But this is not Patek Philippe's way of doing things; the main reason is that the Nautilus remains faithful to the original design by industry legend Gérald Genta, keeping its essential spirit virtually intact. The case of the Nautilus is neither round nor square, but somewhere between the two. Viewed from the case back side, the true contour is clearly visible: starting from the narrower integrated lugs, the central case ring broadens and extends, narrowing again on the other side. Equipped with a wide bezel and lateral hinges reminiscent of the clamps on ship portholes, it serves on the one hand to protect the crown and on the other to maintain the symmetry of the watch. Should you expect to see actual hinges, you would be mistaken; their purpose is to reinforce the nautical imagery. The bezel is neither circular nor cushion-shaped: all eight facets feature perfectly rounded curves.

　　2. Nautilus Ref.5711-1A watch, white dial

　　From the initial design, the metal bracelet was an integral part of the whole, representing another expression of the Nautilus's unique personality. The satin-brushed links are broad and generous, interspersed in the centre with a series of slightly smaller, rounded and polished links. Few people ever get to see the internal construction of the bracelet, but its perfectly finished surface reveals its smoothness and flexibility—something only the wearer can truly experience. When you realise how difficult it is to craft a metal bracelet that is both distinctive and comfortable on the wrist, all you can do is feel heartfelt admiration for the clever design and exquisite craftsmanship.

　　3. Nautilus Ref.5726A-001 watch, equipped with an annual calendar function

　　The third distinctive feature of the Nautilus is its horizontal grooved dial accompanied by applied hour markers. Black, white, dark blue and anthracite are the most common, with chocolate reserved for the rose gold version. The hands are rounded baton-shaped with a distinct and retro outline, which Patek Philippe has carefully carried forward to this day, positioned just slightly above the hour marker track during assembly. These design choices endow the Nautilus with a distinct period character. If you feel as though you might have forgotten them, it is precisely because they have become so familiar, which is itself proof of the success of the Nautilus's design.

　　4. The most complicated Nautilus watch: Ref.5990/1A, equipped with a flyback chronograph and dual time zone display function

　　In fact, the success enjoyed by the Nautilus is also thanks to Patek Philippe's consistent policy of careful selection. Unlike other brands, Patek Philippe has never applied every movement to every case. Consequently, complicated Nautilus models are exceedingly rare; furthermore, there has never been a Nautilus tourbillon watch. Initially restricted to men's watches, the Nautilus housed a self-winding movement featuring three-hand time display and a date window, commonly referred to as the "Jumbo"—indeed, at the time, they were considered very large. Today, Ref. 5711 resists the temptation of oversized dimensions, measuring 40 mm in diameter, making it both modestly proportioned and a quintessential Patek Philippe design. It is worth mentioning that Ref. 5726 is precisely the brand's signature model, the annual calendar watch.

　　5. The most feminine Nautilus watch: Ref.7010G-011, in white gold paired with a leather strap

　　Ref. 5980 is powered by a Patek Philippe manufacture self-winding chronograph movement, characterised primarily by a flyback chronograph hand and an hour totaliser at the 6 o'clock position. The latest addition to the collection is also the most complex model to date. The Ref. 5990 released in 2014 is equipped with two of Patek Philippe's signature complications, which is noteworthy in itself, as the Nautilus had never previously featured such a complex mechanical mechanism. Ref. 5990 is equipped with a self-winding flyback chronograph movement, featuring a second time zone display and two independent day/night display apertures, adjusted by two pushers on the left side of the case. In the Nautilus, Patek Philippe transformed the left-hand side of the bezel into generously sized pushers, preserving the watch's functionality and harmony without compromising its lines.

　　The 6 Nautilus Ref.7021 watch, pavé-set with diamonds, brings the Nautilus into the realm of fine jewellery watches.

　　However, it would be unfair to limit the description of the Nautilus to a men's watch. In 1980, women were given their own version; in 2013, the latest generation of women's Nautilus watches was launched. Slightly smaller in diameter at 32, 33 or 35 mm, and available in stainless steel and gold models, they feature a uniquely exclusive dial where the guilloché grooves have evolved into gentle ripples of water. The baton hands have been replaced by leaf-shaped hands while retaining their original curves. Thanks to diamond setting, the bezel often disappears entirely, and diamonds can also be pavé-set across the dial and bracelet, a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of Patek Philippe's Geneva jewellery workshops. Nowadays, an increasing number of women's Nautilus watches are equipped with mechanical movements, revealing a strategic development direction where Patek Philippe places great emphasis on women's timepieces—a move that is undoubtedly very wise.

　　Having read this, I would like to recommend a popular, best-selling Patek Philippe watch. For further enquiries, please add me on WeChat.

　　Patek Philippe 5711 Series Automatic Mechanical Watch Model: 5711G

　　Review:

　　◆ Distinctive and showcasing vitality and substance.

　　◆ Silver sweep seconds hand, with a square date window at the three o'clock position.

　　◆ Octagonal case, sapphire crystal, visually appealing and durable.

　　◆ Replica ETA2824 movement and Swiss ETA2824 movement available to choose from, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

　　Summary: Patek Philippe watches combine unparalleled precision with unique design, creating exemplary pieces that represent the pinnacle of high watchmaking art. The Patek Philippe watches recommended here are finely crafted with guaranteed quality. For those interested in purchasing, please add me on WeChat for consultation.

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