Comments:
What makes a nautilus so appealing!
I read this thread:
https: // thewatchbaron . com/2019/05/17/why-is-the-nautilus-so-hot/
I think that Baron has a point but one other thing is social media phenomena:
Without it all of the watch collecting and brand recognition wouldn’t have been the same.
Once I was in geneva in my younger years I was offered a patek for cheap, I told the guy that it looked like a swatch. You guessed it it was in the quartz era. Trends were the watches everyone wears, not the craftsmanship.
Now with the web I get all of the info I want and some more.
What are your thoughts?
Without it all of the watch collecting and brand recognition wouldn’t have been the same.
Once I was in geneva in my younger years I was offered a patek for cheap, I told the guy that it looked like a swatch. You guessed it it was in the quartz era. Trends were the watches everyone wears, not the craftsmanship.
Now with the web I get all of the info I want and some more.
What are your thoughts?
Number 5 is the real one for most owners, even so-called enthusiasts. It's just like everything... follow the herd.
I could compare all current models against each other and IMO these watches aren't worth the hype.
Gerald Genta "aura"
might get some to buy this watch, but in my opinion, he had as many few misses as well as hits... which is not to say that I don't have (and love) some of his watches. Cazalea
reduce the price of the steel models to 15-20K and stop the ridiculous and artifical 15 years waiting lists...and let's see the impact on the demand...
I guess for one year, the market will boom...but then slowly, interest will basically just decrease...
in terms of horology, the Nautilus is matched to other similar watches from other high-end brands, it's the sort of game PP plays that their products are beyond the reach, even if you are willing to pay the price, that massively creates the hype...
recently, in discussing the phenomenon with a colleague who is also a psychologist and a watch enthusiast, he recommended me to read John Sabini's Social Psychology, and he just said 'it's all explained there'....well, it's certainly on my list.
hahaha....good point my friend...👍...let's compromise...I'll start with the book....😃 [nt]
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How long is the waiting list to get this book? I heard from my bookstore it's at least 5 years... [nt]
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I remember having the opportunity to buy one too...
At the time, it was expensive, but less than half what I see most list prices for now. Instead, I pulled the trigger on an offshore, which I prefer more for personal reasons. Anyway, the craze has me kicking myself in the butt. Then, I find myself thinking the same about the aquanaut. Later, I think the same about the offshore... and the list goes on. However, if I’m honest with myself, it’s just me wanting them because I’m curious about all the hype.
For some of us the story goes way back...
I was I my early teens when the Nautilus came out and I was instantly attracted to it.. I distinctly remember asking my dad if I could have it not knowing the brand or the cost at the time . I cut out the adverts from the magazines and saved it for a long time dreaming about it ..
My dad had an Ellipse and the blue of the dial always seemed magical to me. The Nautilus dial was even more magical.
I bought my first Patek when I was 32 , incidentally it was not the Nautilus but Aquanaut.
I am not a person who believes in hype or follow trends, I found a special connection with it just like I did with Reverso..
Anyway enough rambling... Have a great weekend everyone !
My dad had an Ellipse and the blue of the dial always seemed magical to me. The Nautilus dial was even more magical.
I bought my first Patek when I was 32 , incidentally it was not the Nautilus but Aquanaut.
I am not a person who believes in hype or follow trends, I found a special connection with it just like I did with Reverso..
Anyway enough rambling... Have a great weekend everyone !
I think social media has untold impact on this watch, and not just among the general population but among collectors too.
The hype around the Nautilus is greatest among collectors and enthusiasts. In addition the increased socialization of watch collectors via RedBar, Hodinkee and other influencer and collector group meet-ups has generated more interest and momentum for some watches than any forum can ever do. Seeing these watches in the metal, on a live wrist of a peer, will get your wallet out quicker than any picture shared on here I think.
But to the article, it hits on two points I’ve repeated many times here and elsewhere regarding my affection for the Nautilus. First, like the 911, or the Submariner, or the Royal Oak, the Nautilus is a classic design that has survived the test of time. For that reason alone it is extremely appealing. Second, something I’ve learned with ownership, it’s an extremely versatile watch which is something not many watches truly have.
Hard to disagree with the points you are making.
But they were valid 5 or 10 years ago. They don't really explain the demand. The Nautilus is not a hidden gem that was certainly rediscovered due to the internet.
I keep hearing stories of people buying Nautilus in the used market, in any condition, despite not having any interest in watches, simply with the intention of flipping the watch.
I keep hearing stories of people buying Nautilus in the used market, in any condition, despite not having any interest in watches, simply with the intention of flipping the watch.
Re 5-10 years ago...
I actually don’t think that social media / IG and the socialization of collectors and enthusiasts was as relevant even 5 years ago let alone 10. I think this is a recent factor driving the hype.
I meant being iconic, versatile.
Social media obviously has had a big impact in the past few years but I disagree with you on collectors being the main buyers. Speculators play much more prominent role in pushing prices up. Unfortunately neither one of us has data on who the buyers are so we have to agree to disagree 
"Seeing these watches in the metal, on a live wrist of a peer, will get your wallet out quicker than any picture shared on here I think."
Actually the Nautilus is extremely photogenic, stunning on photos but very underwhelming in the flesh. Can't image the wallet would open faster if there was no hype around.
I always liked the 3712/5712 from a design standpoint... in the flesh I was not very satisfied and it didn't match all the hype. And no, I had very low expectations.
Shortly after I tried all current models I tried on a Grand Seiko for not even tenth of the market price of a 5711 and it was literally equally finished with exception of the movement but a face that is a step ahead.
Personally I deny the Nautilus to be an icon. The signature Patek is and will remain the perpetual calendar chronograph and with that it's true icon.
Personally I deny the Nautilus to be an icon. The signature Patek is and will remain the perpetual calendar chronograph and with that it's true icon.
Finish in my opinion has nothing to to do with the design being iconic.
I’m a big fan of GS, if you’ve seen any of my posts, and so I completely follow your point.
But the level of finishing, or lack of it, on the Nautilus is I think not the point. It’s the overall design, what you see from two feet away when you look at your wrist. That’s a classic look, timeless. Immediately identifiable.
But the level of finishing, or lack of it, on the Nautilus is I think not the point. It’s the overall design, what you see from two feet away when you look at your wrist. That’s a classic look, timeless. Immediately identifiable.
I mentioned the level of finish to back up my opinion on why I don't think these watches are worth the hype and fuss.
I find the 3-hand-design very pale. Then there is the execution and the feel I didn't like. It's not that it's a bad watch but there are many other watches that I would take first. Maybe that's just me as I don't have any social pressure to crave for something hyped.
so to be clear what you have said
1) People who don't have a brain and don't think collector will buy a Nautilus
2) People who are weak and who feel social pressure will buy a Nautilus
Pour la merit why are you on the Patek sight when you are so negative
2) People who are weak and who feel social pressure will buy a Nautilus
Pour la merit why are you on the Patek sight when you are so negative
One, I will disagree with the “underwhelming”.
I am not a Patek fanboy, and I have plenty of criticism for the Nautilus but personally (and of course your opinion is a personal one too and I respect that) I think in the metal and on the wrist the watch surpassed my expectations.
Re the wallet; it’s a combination of the hype and seeing these watches on peers wrists that often give people the extra push. I’m not just talking about the Nautilus, it could be a GS, a Rolex or anything.
Human nature is such that if you see him/her with it, and him/her is you assume a peer, then people can begin to justify their own purchase. This happens on the forums, but in person it plays a much bigger role I think.
**Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. This is mine**.
Re the wallet; it’s a combination of the hype and seeing these watches on peers wrists that often give people the extra push. I’m not just talking about the Nautilus, it could be a GS, a Rolex or anything.
Human nature is such that if you see him/her with it, and him/her is you assume a peer, then people can begin to justify their own purchase. This happens on the forums, but in person it plays a much bigger role I think.
**Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. This is mine**.