A treat for watch collectors, Patek Philippe has announced it will make 170 special versions of its most popular watch, known as the Nautilus Ref. 5711, a year after discontinuing it.
The watch has been created to mark the 170-year partnership between the Swiss watchmaker and Tiffany & Co., which was its first official retailer in the U.S. Tiffany & Co. is the only retailer in the world with the right to co-brand timepieces with Patek Philippe. These watches are even more difficult to acquire than the elusive 5711. Some also say “it’s extremely rare." The waitlist was rumored to be 10-year-long.
“It’s the prestige factor, and it’s that extra magic on the dial of a Patek Philippe watch that collectors covet so greatly. The Nautilus is a horological icon. Without any doubt, it’s one of the greatest designs of the 20th century in watches,” says Paul Boutros, Head of Watches, Americas for Phillips auction house, which does a large business in secondary market timepieces.
The Swiss watchmaker and its American luxury retail partner are adding a bright blue twist to the 'holy grail' of watches. The dial is Tiffany’s trademarked blue hue, and both logos appear on the dial: Patek Philippe at 12 o’clock and Tiffany & Co. at 6 o’clock.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 retails for $52, 635 and is available at Tiffany & Co. in New York, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills.