Patek Philippe

*New ref. 3712 - Nautilus *

 

Hi all,
the new Nautilus somehow seems to be the perfect example for a well known,but often neglected effect though.
The difference between the "real thing" and (I've to say especially) the press pictures is impressive.
I've all too often read ".... don't judge by pictures alone.." and at the same time thought "... yeah, I know, but still I don't like it in the pictures...". In this case I've received a very good lesson.
And just to add some remarks (even if this may sound as sort of "disclaimer" ), I've never been a great fan of the Nautilus although I could very well understand and follow the great appreciation this watch received. My personal approach to designs out of my personal tastes "territory" is, that I first try to respect and "follow" as much as possible (which often definetely needs a bit time, which is hard, especially in the age of internet). This often ends up in "eye opening" experiences....

For me the Nautilus never has been a real "sports watch" and the idea it could be seen as some sort of a "divers watch" never came to my mind and almost seems a bit funny. Which makes it very difficult for me to follow the complaints about "loss" of depth rating to 60 m "only". I always saw the Nautilus (among the other great "brothers", of course) as a, at their time, new species of elegant, yet technical and robust, but still more "dress" watches. But again, of course that's me...

So far my ramblings, actually more caused by the recent postings as the watch itself and now my impressions:
I've posted the press pictures first, my (I've to admit rather poor) pictures below. The press pictures IMO are far away from reality with the real thing beeing much nicer for my taste. The dial colour alone is way more subtle (and nicer IMO) in the flesh.
Having hold the watch in my hands, I may say that my poor pictures are a bit closer to the real thing (at least I hope so).

Surprisingly the sub indications layout goes very well with the Nautilus' rounded edges square dial. I'd go so far to say that it almost seems the movement originally could be designed for this dial shape ( hmmm, well, sounds probably a bit pr style as well, but honestly, that's what came to my mind).
(most pics are clickable for large versions)

And to add some specs, case dimensions are told to be 42mm x 38mm and 8.37mm thickness.
Movement of course is cal. 240 PS IRM C LU

I hope it wasn't too much of a rambling though
Best
Suitbert

p.s.: Stay tuned for the Basel 2005/SIHH report of Alberto and Alex with much more and better pictures!