Patek Philippe Nautilus 5976 Review

CaptainCrunch · 2017-01-14T02:58:31Z

Detailed review of the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5976, exploring its size, white gold finish, and diamond dial. Includes discussion on unboxing condition issues.

CaptainCrunch

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

45 replies19638 views14 photos

CaptainCrunch provides an in-depth visual and tactile review of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5976, offering unique insights into its presence and design nuances compared to other Nautilus models. His detailed observations, particularly regarding the watch's heft and the dynamic play of its diamond batons, offer a valuable perspective for collectors considering this anniversary piece. The post also delves into an unexpected issue with the watch's condition upon delivery, sparking a crucial discussion on AD practices and brand quality control.

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So as promised, here are a few more shots of the 5976 under different light angles. The first thing I noticed is how much more heft this one has got compared to the other SS nautiluses, even to a 5990.

The diamond batons dance playfully under different light angles and especially true under direct light. Dial is a brighter blue than 5711 blue dial that changes color depending on how light hits it.

In person, this piece towers any other Nautiluses in size. The white gold has a slight pink yellowish look to it and next to an SS is warmer looking with more pronounced brushed finish on its bezel, very similar to brushed finish of AP RO bezel.

Overall, this watch has got more presence than previous Nautiluses, being wider and flatter than a 5990 yet at almost the same height it photographs to be similar size. I tried many different angles and still in pic they look almost the same size due again to the height. The only telling difference will be the extra width.

On a different note, I purchased this brand new and sealed from Patek AD in Nov but just got the watch today. I was ecstatic after having waited for so long. However, when I unsealed the watch, I was very disappointed with the condition. There are lots of fine scratches on the few links around the clasp and visible scratch on bezel near the crown.

The watch in all honesty looks like it has been used before. Now, I'm not a stickler who inspects watch under 10x mag to look for scratches. These are very obvious scratches from use. Immediately I sent an email with complaint to AD and demand for an explanation and compensation for this unacceptable treatment. I paid full retail value for an unused and sealed watch and what I got is, at best near mint watch.

We will see what the response is from AD, as either this was a display piece or a used piece. Very disappointing given that I bought 4 Pateks alone last year and have plans to spend more this year.

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5711

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5711/1A is a specific configuration within the Complications model line. This particular reference is identified by its serial number 5914840, with a movement number 6084863.

The watch is presented in a stainless steel case, indicated by the "/1A" suffix. No specific details regarding the crystal material or movement architecture are provided.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe Complications model in stainless steel. Its specific serial and movement numbers are documented for identification purposes.

Specifications

Caliber: 26-330 S C

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Blue, White

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Gold watches, being made of a soft metal, can acquire minor abrasions from plastic packaging, especially if the watch shifts or is handled for display or inventory purposes. This is a plausible explanation for scratches on a new, sealed gold watch.
Any significant issue with a new, sealed watch should involve direct communication with both the Authorized Dealer and Patek Philippe headquarters in Geneva to ensure proper resolution and understanding of what occurred.
The presence of scratches on a supposedly new, sealed watch raises concerns about either Patek Philippe's quality control or the authenticity of the seal/packaging, potentially indicating fraud.
It's possible the watch was a display model or shown to other customers, especially if the buyer was overseas and couldn't pick it up immediately, leading to scratches before final delivery.
Authorized Dealers are typically required to open and inspect watches in the shop, not sell them in factory packing. A watch can also be 're-sealed' after being a showpiece or serviced.
Given the buyer's VIP status, it's unlikely the AD intentionally sold a scratched watch, suggesting an expectation for an exceptional solution if the issue is not fully addressed.

The Discussion

russell996

Jan 14, 2017

Stunning pictures.

I love the way the dial changes colour and the diamonds add something a little special. Let us know what the AD says, they certainly look like they could be marks from the piece being worn and the nature of them to me suggests it didn\'t leave the factory like that. Personally I would be asking for a replacement as I would expect a perfect NEW piece. Clearly they can be removed no problem but only in conjunction with a nice discount. Good luck.

Chimaera

Jan 14, 2017

This is a really serious issue.

I\'m sorry for your experience, but this has wide implications and you may choose to raise this with PP direct because, either way, there is a reputation killing problem here. Either: (I) PP\'s vaunted QC processes have fallen short and require urgent attention; or (II) the seal/packaging on your watch was not authentic. If this is the case there is fraud afoot and PP should investigate rigorously. The third possibility is that, somehow, the scratches occurred through the packaging. Seems implau

CaptainCrunch

Jan 14, 2017

Hi Chimera. Those are good points I would bring up with the AD.

Certainly very disappointing and disturbing the way they treat a good customer this way. I have never had such problems before and there is no way I would damage a watch this way. It has got even more scratches than both my year old Nautiluses. I would see how they respond before contacting Patek directly.

CaptainCrunch

Jan 14, 2017

I never had this issue before but this indeed is very disappointing.

One would balk to notice a scratch on a brand new $200 seiko. Here is a 100k watch. One or two micro scratch is fine. This looks like it has been worn and dragged across table.

Azzsi

Jan 15, 2017

Re: I never had this issue before but this indeed is very disappointing.

Can you post pics of where the watch shows wear and looks like its been dragged across the table ? Based on the pics posted it looks brand new.

CaptainCrunch

Jan 15, 2017

Those are supposed to be smooth reflection. But you can definitely see all the scuff marks. New watch isn't supposed to look like this. Not to mention single lines on the rest of links.