Patek Philippe

Personally I am and have been a fan of the Nautilus range for many years. Got my first Patek in 2008, a 5711 and have since had different iterations and the only one that has stuck with me is my 5980/1A... they are all great in their own ways but the one that ticked all my boxes was this one.

Now to hype or not, everything goes in cycles. I tend to think they are as good on the wrist as on photos. They work in casual settings and formal. It is a perfect blend of elegant sport. Perfect accessory for the modern person wishing to fit this image. And they are extremely comfortable to wear. So there you have it. Just great on every aspect. I can see how it attracts such a wide following.

Now are they hype? Perhaps for many years this image has not been as popular among such a wide audience globally. Perhaps ten years ago up and coming individuals from historically less developed nations that now have a far more competitive space in the world is getting refined to the point where the modern yet timeless elegance of a sport Patek ticks all the right boxes. Perhaps this new demand is just overwhelming. And since Patek is not cranking up production to any levels we get a market equilibrium that is where we are now. Love it or hate it people are free to speculate and pay whatever they feel fit. It is just a widget with no real intrinsic value after all so debating value is to me a lost cause. Nobody is forcing anybody to spend hard earned coins on a Nautilus. Just my 5c...

I’ve owned a lot of sport style, casual elegant, and tool watches over the years from many different manufacturers. Based on being here for a while and seeing/reading a lot of our member’s posts, I’m sure many of you have had even more experience in this segment than I have. None of the ones I’ve owned or experienced, in my opinion, have checked as many of my personal boxes as much as the Nautilus. But it’s all highly subjective. I think it’s an incredibly well designed and versatile piece that fits today’s lifestyles very well. Will it always be that way? Who knows. It’s stood the test of time very well so far - it’s like an Eames chair in that way. However, there was a time when the golden ellipse was the most prominent Patek in the modern culture, and it certainly is not that way today, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a watch to those who own and love it.

I just wonder why it seems to bother some people so much that the Nautilus is as loved as it is. It seems to be mostly people that have made other choices that are upset that their choices aren’t being validated publicly in the same way, but if you buy what you love who cares about validation anyway?

In the past 4 months alone the 5980 went up 50% than the original 100% mark up
The flip happens between dealers inflating the process along with social media heavy heavy influence

Now it’s a status symbol to have any kind of nautilus
In December I was offered the 5980 RH leather strap for 65k$!!! Now it’s almost a 100k

And u know what sometimes u can’t help it
My 5712 R that I bought at retail I sold in less than a month for a good 40% on top bcz I thought u know what since ppl are that crazy I say let’em have it I’m more happy with the extra 40% margin I maid

But believe me this will not continue and prices will correct sooner or later