Expert Review
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Introduction: A Platinum Milestone
In 2017, Patek Philippe commemorated four decades of the Nautilus with an extraordinary limited edition: the reference 5711/1P-001. Restricted to merely 700 pieces, this platinum iteration represents the pinnacle of the 5711 lineage and stands as one of the most significant modern anniversary releases in the brand's storied history.
The Nautilus 5711/1P presented in its original cork presentation box
The watch carries substantial weight on the wrist—approximately 239 grams, or roughly half a pound—yet maintains the perfect balance that defines the Nautilus design. This heft serves as a tangible reminder that this is no ordinary timepiece, but rather a definitive statement piece in precious metal.
Design and Dimensions
The 5711/1P preserves the iconic proportions that have defined luxury sports watches since 1976. The 40mm platinum case measures a remarkably slim 8.3mm in thickness, maintaining the elegant profile that allows it to slip beneath a dress shirt cuff with ease.
Dial closeup showcasing the sunburst blue finish and baguette diamond markers
Despite the substantial weight of platinum construction, the watch achieves that signature Nautilus wrist presence—balanced and comfortable for extended wear. The case finishing alternates between brushed and polished surfaces, a hallmark of Gerald Genta's original vision executed to perfection.
The Anniversary Dial
The dial captures attention immediately with its radiant blue sunburst finish. The color shifts dramatically depending on lighting conditions, transforming from deep navy in shadow to electric cobalt under direct illumination.
The anniversary inscription reading "40 1976-2016" engraved across the dial center
Baguette diamond hour markers provide subtle shimmer without overwhelming the design's inherent restraint. These markers complement rather than dominate, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic that defines the Nautilus character.
Perhaps most significant is the inscription spanning the dial's center: "40 1976-2016." This engraving serves as a quiet acknowledgment of the Nautilus legacy and its transformation from controversial design to cultural icon over four decades.
Wrist shot highlighting how light plays across the blue sunburst dial
Movement and Technical Excellence
Inside beats the caliber 324 S C, Patek Philippe's self-winding workhorse movement renowned for reliability and finishing excellence. The movement delivers a 45-hour power reserve and features a 21-karat gold rotor visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback.
Exhibition caseback revealing the caliber 324 S C with Geneva Seal finishing
The Geneva Seal certification guarantees traditional haute horlogerie standards in decoration, assembly, and performance. Every component visible through the caseback displays meticulous finishing work, from the Côtes de Genève stripes to the polished bevels.
The Platinum Bracelet
The integrated platinum bracelet exemplifies the intersection of sculpture and engineering. Each link features alternating brushed and polished surfaces that reflect light like liquid metal, creating visual depth and dimensional interest.
Bracelet detail revealing the alternating brushed and polished link surfaces
The weight becomes an asset rather than a liability. This tangible heft reinforces the watch's precious metal construction and provides constant tactile feedback—a characteristic that distinguishes platinum from steel or gold versions.
Final Thoughts
The 5711/1P-001 represents the moment when the Nautilus transcended mere watchmaking to become a cultural phenomenon. This anniversary edition captures that transition perfectly—honoring four decades of legacy while maintaining the design purity that made the original revolutionary.
Full wrist shot demonstrating the watch's proportions and presence
Gerald Genta's original vision achieved universal appeal through deliberate restraint and proportion. This platinum anniversary edition proves that minimalism, when executed with mastery, requires no embellishment. The 5711/1P isn't simply a timepiece—it's a punctuation mark in Patek Philippe's history and a testament to design that transcends trends.
Limited to 700 pieces worldwide, this watch embodies the kind of luxury that remains virtually unattainable for most collectors, yet its design speaks to everyone. That paradox perfectly encapsulates the Nautilus phenomenon: democratic in aesthetic appeal, exclusive in reality.
