Introduced in 2006, the 5712 combines the sportiness of the Nautilus case with the practicality of a range of complications.It was one of several models launched to mark the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus collection.
History of the Nautilus
The '70s were a time of great change within the watchmaking industry.The Quartz Crisis was wreakinghavoc, with the number of watchmakers in Switzerland having dropped from 1,600 to 600. At the time of the Nautilus' release, the world was already shifting towards highly-commercialised, quartz technology.
Against this backdrop,the concept of a luxury watch in steel was a truly revolutionary idea. In 1976, the introduction of Patek Philippes Nautilus firmly altered the direction of . It offered a true competitor to Audemars Piguet's then four-year-old Royal Oak, equally designed by Grald Genta. The original reference 3700 was not only unprecedented in its design, but also inits initial pricing to consumers. When theNautiluswas released, the retail price for the watch was $3,100 - considerable for the time, and comparable to many ofPatek Philippes gold dress watches.
Remarkably, Gerald Genta is said to have sketched the3700s design whilst dining meters away fromexecutives. His five minutes of work, is today considered one of the masterpieces of modern design. Its etymology comes from Jules Vernes novelTwenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, after the "Nautilus" submarine, used by Captain Nemo.
The 5712
Following the introduction of the originalNautilus, Patek Philippe experimented with differentcase sizes, materialsand dial designs. A few decades after it was originally sketched, the time felt right to gradually integratea dose of complexityinto Genta's design.Introduced in 2005, theref. 3712marked the first time a significantnumber of complications were integrated into the Nautilus case. Released the following year, the ref. 5712 has carried this legacy forwards to the current day, integrating a date, moonphase, power reserve and subsidiary seconds display. It was one of several models launched to mark the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus collection.
The 5712 reinterprets a number of signature design elements from the original Nautilus, mostly notably, the gradient blue dial with horizontal grooves.The different complications are laid out in an intuitive manner,retaining legibility and balance, despite the wealth of information displayed.Usually placed in prime position, in this case, the "Patek Philippe" signature is discretelyshifted to the right. Itadditionally features all the traditional indications of a time-only watch, with applied hour-markers andNautilushands with luminescent inserts.
Similar to its predecessor, the 5712 measures 40mm - between 10 and 4 o'clock - classing it amongst the "Jumbo" collection. Itfeatures Patek Philippesmodern interpretation of the Nautilus case, with 3-part construction, sapphire case-back and curved "ears" on either side. The case and bracelet are excellently finished, with beveled, polished and granular surfaces. The steel bracelet has virtually no stretch, with flat central links.
The Movement
The reference 5712/1A-001 is powered by Patek Philippes in-house calibre 240 PS IRM C LU (for petite seconde, indication de rserve de marche, calendrier et lune small second, power reserve indicator, date and moon), visible through the sapphire display-back. It features 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, shock absorber mechanism a self-compensating flat balance spring and a monometallic balance, adjusted to cold, heat, isochronism and 5 positions. Furthermore, the 22k solid-gold micro-rotor is finished in classic Patek Philippe style, with Geneva stripes.
The Set
The watch comes with a Patek Philippe outer box, wooden inner box, Certificate of Origin, leather wallet, product literature and setting pin.
If sold within the United Kingdom, thisPatek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1Awill be subject to 20% VAT.Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.
Closer look
| Brand: | Patek Philippe |
| Model: | Nautilus Ref.5712/1A-001 |
| Movement: | mechanicalautomatic calibre 240 PS IRM C LU |
| Functions: | moon-phase, date, hours, minutes, sub-seconds |
| Features: | power-reserve, display back, Patek Philippe Seal |
| Case: | 40 mm stainless steel |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Bracelet: | steel integrated bracelet (23 links total, including 7 removable links) |
| Year: | 2015 (sold) |
| Box & papers: | inner and outer Patek Philippe boxes, Certificate of Origin, product literature, setting pin |
This Patek Philippe Nautilus5712/1Ais in excellent condition, with virtually no signs of surface wear.Overall, the case stillretains strong lines and a thick profile.The watch is fitted to the original integrated bracelet, with the corresponding reference numbers shown on the underside. The bracelet includes 23 links, including 7 of which that areremovable. It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes witha two-yearwarranty from A Collected Man.
