Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A: the Rolls-Royce of the toolwatches!
If you read only my title you
may have two opportunities to miss the truth about this watch.
The Patek
Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A is a watch, not a car or a tool! But you know that!
I do the
comparison with a Rolls-Royce and you may take it for a watch for old
chauffeured people. You're wrong!
When I write
Rolls-Royce I think quality, aim of perfection, reliability, grand style,
extreme luxury, (spirit of) ecstasy. I think about the current Phantom, or even
more about a Phantom II Continental drophead by Gurney Nutting or a
"simpler" Silver Cloud 2 drophead by HJ Mulliner. Imagine those
supremely classical designs that exudes the highest refinement, a style at the
same time understated and sublime.
Whatever
perfect the Nautilus 5711/1A is, it will never be noticed as easily and as
often as a Rolex Submariner. It will remain a rare watch rarely identified out
of the circle of the watch nuts.
In fact I have
to admit that I rarely got appealed by this watch until I put one on my wrist.
The day I tried on Amanico's 5712 it was a real blow! I then tried on a
5980 and was once again appealed. The pure design and simplicity of the
5711/1A was even stronger on me. Wait until you try one yourself!
The other
opportunity of mistake is the tool side. I must explain what I define as a tool
watch. I'm not thinking of a watch for plumbing or mining. I'm just
searching a watch for a normal everyday life, for accepting a ride on a speed
boat or an afternoon of sail fishing. I need a watch to spend some time under
the rain, to fall (helped or not) into a swimming pool.
I hope a watch
that you can forget on your wrist.
I'm
pretty sure a Nautilus 5711/1A can do all that.
Obviously many
other watches could. But which other watch would be so thin, so refined, so
unique?
Which other
watch would show the time on a so subtle dial of different shades of blue?
Which other
watch would embody so humbly all the Geneva
watchmaking experience and excellence?
Let's end
on this aspect. This watch is not just all I wrote so far, it is also above all
the case for an automatic watch calibre. I'm not too appealed by gold
watches but I'm so appealed by gold rotors under steel watches….
Don't you
think that our modern lives necessitate a strong case to protect a very refined
engine?
The 324 calibre
is now well known and shared by many Calatrava references. What other kind of
calibre would you hope to see in such kind of everyday living life watch?
You may not
dare drive a Rolls-Royce but would you refrain from wearing such a watch?
I'm in
love !
Cheers
Dje
ps : share
your pics please.
My Ex Nauty Lus lived a dangerous life...
I took it with me in the Seaside, in the Country, at some gatherings, and even on a roof...
Like you, I had to see it in the flesh before being convinced.
Like you, its dial captivated me.
Like you, I'm thinking about adding another one in my collection, a 5711 or a 5980, as I tried this last reference a lot of times, lastly, and I'm more and more convinced by its elegant " bad boy " allure...Macho, still elegant.
I would very well see you with a Nauty Lus!
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-05-27 13:58:22That's that very same watch that convinced me first!
You know that it's your 5712 that caught me first.
Then I "discovered" the simpler charms of the 5711/1A.
So you miss it?
Cheers
Dje
If I go back to a Nautilus, Jerome...
It will be on the 5980...
To me, the 5980 is the ultimate expression of the Naulilus, its sporty spirit.
With Time passing, I was not very comfortable with the moonphase, as I had to set it every time I gave this watch some wrist time.
But the 5711 bis another option, I must admit.
BUT, I already own the RO jumbo.
Best,
Nicolas
I also.....
flirted with the 5712 idea
(Nicolas was kind enough to let me "play" with it).....
However, I prefer the 5711 for its simple sporty elegance.....
(the chrono nautilus would be an option but it has quite a price tag....
one subdial chronos though are mesmerizing....)
Cheers
Poetic.....
This is probably the most poetic review......
The funny thing is that I was thinking pretty much on these lines a few days ago......
when I placed my order for one....
whether it comes sooner or later....
it matters not so much.....
as it is a timeless one.....
cheers
Congratulations, PP
I am glad for you that you found a PP for PP. I look forward to seeing it on your wrist.
respo
Congratulations
I hope to see yours soon!
Cheers
Dje
I.....
hope too.....
But, in this case, I can wait...
there is no alternative, as they are difficult to get.....
cheers
ps Pink Panther was/is my favourite cartoon character and one of the best comedies (the original)
ever made....
A similar experience and view
But then I decided I wanted a "Rolls Royce" (as you say) to wear as a daily watch that would not bring undue attention to itself at work or in public. This was my ultimate choice. Indeed, this can be worn with a polo shirt and no-one will usually notice it. Perfect for the intended purpose. And not afraid of water.
In fact the AD did not have the 5711/1A in store when I went but he was wearing one. I knew I made the right decision. I paid a deposit and placed my order in Decmber 2009. I was told I would have to wait until Patek allocated him his stock in February 2010 and I might get it by June 2010. However, he also contacted Patek directly on my behalf. One day later, I was informed Patek were reallocating a 5711/1A to me from another region and I had my Nautilus within 3 weeks.
This is one of the most comfortable metal bracelets I have ever had. The link-and-a-half made all the difference in the world to the fit for me.
Regards, Richard.
I love your watch!
I'm glad to read you as it will be probably a one shot opportunity to wear a PP for me.
Your pics are very appealing.
Thank you for sharing.
Cheers
Dje
I got a Nautilus Moon 1st
The more time passes by....
Cheers
Dje
TOOL WATCH!!!???
That Nauty Lus (funny Nicolas) is a dress watch in sportswatch clothing... I owned one, so I can say it.
A lovely watch... pretty cool. But a TOOL WATCH!!!!????
Okay I'm done.
Have to agree with Mostel
This all being said; thanks for your post, the Nautilus is definitely one of the better and understated sportswatches out there! ;-)
Have a great weekend!
Martin
I know I know
Of course you're right, but what would be the point for me of owning a 3939 or 5959 if it was to let it in the bank!
The watch that fits me is a tool watch, the 5711/1A is the one.
Cheers
Dje
ps: it would be nicely complemented by a 5170 though!
In total agreement....
I did have one for a short period and had it perfectly fitted to my wrist( the best fit ever for me) but in a moment of haste let it go for something else.;(
I will, some day.
Congratulations on that beauty. A SS 5712 will be on my wrist, don't know when, don't know how, but it will.
Best.
Vte
Thank you but it's not done yet!
I hope it will be mine soon, but it's not done yet!
Cheers
Dje