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Dje's original post provocatively compares the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A to a Rolls-Royce, challenging common perceptions of both luxury and 'tool' watches. His reflection on the 5711/1A's understated elegance and the personal journey to appreciating its design offers a timeless perspective on acquiring a grail watch. This article explores why the 5711/1A, despite its initial subtle appeal, became a highly coveted piece among collectors.
If you read only my title you
may have two opportunities to miss the truth about this watch.
The Patek
Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A is a watch, not a car or a tool! But you know that!
I do the
comparison with a Rolls-Royce and you may take it for a watch for old
chauffeured people. You're wrong!
When I write
Rolls-Royce I think quality, aim of perfection, reliability, grand style,
extreme luxury, (spirit of) ecstasy. I think about the current Phantom, or even
more about a Phantom II Continental drophead by Gurney Nutting or a
"simpler" Silver Cloud 2 drophead by HJ Mulliner. Imagine those
supremely classical designs that exudes the highest refinement, a style at the
same time understated and sublime.
Whatever
perfect the Nautilus 5711/1A is, it will never be noticed as easily and as
often as a Rolex Submariner. It will remain a rare watch rarely identified out
of the circle of the watch nuts.
In fact I have
to admit that I rarely got appealed by this watch until I put one on my wrist.
The day I tried on Amanico's 5712 it was a real blow! I then tried on a
5980 and was once again appealed. The pure design and simplicity of the
5711/1A was even stronger on me. Wait until you try one yourself!
Patek Philippe 5711/1A
The other
opportunity of mistake is the tool side. I must explain what I define as a tool
watch. I'm not thinking of a watch for plumbing or mining. I'm just
searching a watch for a normal everyday life, for accepting a ride on a speed
boat or an afternoon of sail fishing. I need a watch to spend some time under
the rain, to fall (helped or not) into a swimming pool.
I hope a watch
that you can forget on your wrist.
Perfectly integrated bracelet
I'm
pretty sure a Nautilus 5711/1A can do all that.
Obviously many
other watches could. But which other watch would be so thin, so refined, so
unique?
Which other
watch would show the time on a so subtle dial of different shades of blue?
Which other
watch would embody so humbly all the Geneva
watchmaking experience and excellence?
A dial of blue shades
Let's end
on this aspect. This watch is not just all I wrote so far, it is also above all
the case for an automatic watch calibre. I'm not too appealed by gold
watches but I'm so appealed by gold rotors under steel watches….
Don't you
think that our modern lives necessitate a strong case to protect a very refined
engine?
The 324 calibre
is now well known and shared by many Calatrava references. What other kind of
calibre would you hope to see in such kind of everyday living life watch?
You may not
dare drive a Rolls-Royce but would you refrain from wearing such a watch?
The one
I'm in
love !
Cheers
Dje
ps : share
your pics please.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 5712 represents a 36mm iteration within the Royal Oak series, produced during the 1980-1990 period. This reference features a blue dial configuration paired with stainless steel construction throughout both case and bracelet.
The 36mm stainless steel case houses the automatic caliber 2121 movement, delivering a 40-hour power reserve. The watch incorporates a fixed octagonal bezel and sapphire crystal, with 50-meter water resistance. The integrated steel bracelet completes the stainless steel construction.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a vintage-production Royal Oak in the smaller 36mm case size. The blue dial variant offers an alternative to more common dial colors within the reference range. The decade-long production window from 1980-1990 places this reference within the early Royal Oak manufacturing period.
I took it with me in the Seaside, in the Country, at some gatherings, and even on a roof... Like you, I had to see it in the flesh before being convinced. Like you, its dial captivated me. Like you, I'm thinking about adding another one in my collection, a 5711 or a 5980, as I tried this last reference a lot of times, lastly, and I'm more and more convinced by its elegant " bad boy " allure...Macho, still elegant. I would very well see you with a Nauty Lus! Best, my friend. Nicolas This message
Hi Nicolas, You know that it's your 5712 that caught me first. Then I "discovered" the simpler charms of the 5711/1A. So you miss it? Cheers Dje
It will be on the 5980... To me, the 5980 is the ultimate expression of the Naulilus, its sporty spirit. With Time passing, I was not very comfortable with the moonphase, as I had to set it every time I gave this watch some wrist time. But the 5711 bis another option, I must admit. BUT, I already own the RO jumbo. Best, Nicolas
nt
... and am thoroughly enjoying it
flirted with the 5712 idea (Nicolas was kind enough to let me "play" with it)..... However, I prefer the 5711 for its simple sporty elegance..... (the chrono nautilus would be an option but it has quite a price tag.... one subdial chronos though are mesmerizing....) Cheers
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