PATEK PHILIPPE | NAUTILUS REF 5711/1P, LIMITED EDITION PLATINUM AND DIAMOND-SET BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, MADE TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAUTILUS CIRCA 2016

The Patek Philippe Nautilus is widely recognized as the most important and celebrated luxury sport watch in history.

First introduced in 1976 and based on the design of Gerald Genta, this illustrious timepiece has captivated enthusiasts since its inception and is considered by collectors as a work of art in its own right, the must-have centre piece of a collection and the pride of its owner who has undoubtedly painstakingly hunted the watch down over years of searching.

Patek Philippe celebrated the success of the model over the years by introducing new pieces on only significant anniversaries, such as in 2006 with the references 5711 and 5712 for the 30th year of the Nautilus.

It was in 2016 on its 40th anniversary that the Geneva based Manufacture took the horological world by storm by introducing for the first and only time in its history, two limited editions of the Nautilus, respectively references 5976/1G and 5711/1P such as the present lot. Both models bear the subtle embossed logo reading, "40 1976-2016". Their dials are also highlighted by baguette diamond-set indexes. While the 5976 in white gold was produced in 1,200 examples, the 5711 cased in platinum was produced in a more enviable quantity of only 700 pieces. Like other modern models, the 5711P has its case embellished by a discreet diamond at 6 o'clock, a signature confirming the use of the most precious metal. 

The watch is powered by the famous automatic calibre 324 SC. The movement is made of no less than 217 different parts including the central 21k gold central rotor. It is finished by hand to the highest standards, decorated with the cotes de Genève and bears the Patek Philippe seal. 

The 5711/1P immediately met the success it deserved. Only a fraction of the most prestigious clients of Patek Philippe could secure an example, establishing its status of the most important and sought-after modern Nautilus. Unsurprisingly, since then, they have been closely guarded in distinguished private collections, with less than a handful of examples having appeared on the international auction market.

The present example is in superb overall condition. It is accompanied by its original accessories including its vintage style cork box, which pays homage to the first models.

This piece is offered on behalf of an important private gentleman and represents an exceedingly rare opportunity for an eminent collector to acquire an example of this highly exclusive edition of the acclaimed Patek Philippe Nautilus.