Our watch of the week is the featured Patek Philippe 5711/1300A-001 - a clean 40MM Nautilus example with 32 baguette-cut G-color flawless clarity diamonds encrusting the bezel, and crafted in Stainless Steel.
Why is the Patek Philippe 5711/1300A-001 made of Stainless Steel instead of precious metals?
You might guess that a watch at this price point would be made in precious metals such as white gold or platinum, but this particular model is made of stainless steel, just like the typical 5711/1A model. While many of the other Patek's in this upper price range are made of precious metals, there are reasons behind having a watch in stainless steel, mainly durability.
Stainless steel is more durable and requires much less polishing and maintenance than white gold. Gold is a soft metal that scratches easily when bumping your watch around or rubbing against a hard surface. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is highly resistant to corrosion, scratches, and general wear and tear, making it a durable option for someone who will wear their timepiece regularly but still wants a flex piece.
