LEGACYBefore the 5711 came along, the Patek Philippe Nautilus was already an established luxury icon. What makes the ref 5711/1A especially appealing is that it is the direct descendant of the first ever Nautilus watch, the 3700. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta in 1976, its name and porthole shape was inspired by the passion for sailing that the Stern family, owners of Patek Philippe, were quite known for. The Nautilus was a revolution for Patek. First, because it went head to head with the quartz watches of the time; and second, because it was a Patek Philippe in steel. Prior to its release, Patek only made watches from precious metals. Moreover, selling the Nautilus at a premium has always been part of Patek Philippe’s strategy. As one of its very first advertisements famously said, “one of the world’s costliest watches is made of steel.” |