Robert65's candid reflection on a coveted Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1AR offers a rare glimpse into the emotional journey of luxury watch collecting. His experience, from intense desire to eventual clarity, provides valuable insight into how collectors navigate the allure of scarcity versus the pursuit of horological harmony within their personal collections. This post underscores the importance of thoughtful acquisition over impulsive desire, even when faced with an unexpected opportunity.
Already blessed with the 5712/1A, I visited my Patek AD in Charlotte, North Carolina and was shown the 5980/1AR. I never expected to see a 5980 because I thought they were long discontinued. I was smitten and it's a gorgeous piece. Comparing them side by side I thought "I desperately need this additional Nautilus!" So I lobbied my sales associate with a full charm campaign for weeks. Then I had to work in Qatar for several months so I continued to charm him from afar the whole time I was gone. I actually prayed for this watch while I was in the Middle East and I promise I'm not a religious man.
Maybe it was my positive interpretation of my SA's texts but I was nearly 100% sure that he would offer me the 5980 when I returned home from the wars! LOL. I steadily texted him once per week with upbeat, friendly messages. When I got back to the States and my wife and I visited the boutique I was gently let down and fully disappointed (though I tried hard to be gracious) when he said he offered it to another long time, loyal client. The 1.5 hour drive home from the AD was emotional for both me and my wife. However within the next couple months and lots of soul-searching I realized that the major reason I lusted and prayed for that watch was because it was simply visible at the AD and I held it in my hands.
The watch that I really needed in my tiny collection at that point was a (somewhat understated) gold dress watch - not another sport watch. I ended up purchasing exactly what my collection needed and I absolutely adore it (5170R-001).
When I look back at this foto and I remember my emotions... the first feeling is a little bit of shame of desperately wanting something for no particular reason. The second feeling is thank goodness for unanswered prayers.
Best,
Robert
About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5712
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.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 2121
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 36 mm
- Dial
- Blue
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph Ref. 5980
The Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 5980 was introduced in 2006, marking a significant evolution for the Nautilus line by integrating a chronograph complication. This reference was notable for being the first Nautilus chronograph, presenting a sportier and more technically complex option within the collection. It maintained the distinctive porthole-inspired case design while adding a monopusher flyback chronograph function, consolidating the chronograph registers into a single sub-dial at 6 o'clock.
This reference features a 40.5 mm stainless steel case, characteristic of the Nautilus's robust yet refined aesthetic. It is powered by the self-winding caliber CH 28-520 C, an integrated flyback chronograph movement that operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 45-55 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 120 meters, underscoring its design as a luxury sports watch.
The 5980 appeals to collectors seeking a Nautilus with additional functionality beyond time and date. Its introduction expanded the model's appeal, offering a more intricate mechanical experience while retaining the core design elements. The blue-black gradient dial is a signature feature, contributing to its distinct visual identity. This reference was produced until 2014, making it a specific period piece within the broader Nautilus chronology.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 28-520 C
- Case
- Stainless Steel
- Diameter
- 40.5 mm
- Dial
- Blue-black gradient
- Water Resist.
- 120m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
