Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph

The Patek Philippe Nautilus is without question one of the great horological icons of the 1970s, and has in recent years once again become one of the most in-demand wristwatch models on the planet.

Collectors and prospectors alike have clamored to get their hands on Genta's second great act in luxury sports watch design, and since the legendary stainless steel, time-and-date, Reference 5711 rode off into the sunset in 2021, demand has never been higher. Interestingly enough, most of the demand for Nautilus models are centered around non-complicated models, something we can't fully wrap our heads around when considering the capabilities and expertise in high horology from Patek Philippe.

This example, a Reference 5980/1A-001, resides in the complications camp, boasting a flyback chronograph complication with a mono-counter display. Wrapped in a much-adored stainless steel case as the “A” suggests in its reference designation, this Nautilus features a three-part stainless case spanning 40.5mm in diameter. Displaying a masterful blend of satin and polish finishings throughout, this piece offers a signed screw-down crown, angular chronograph pushers that parallel the case flank, articulating end-links, sapphire crystal and of course, the model’s signature ‘eared’ silhouette.

Its dial is finished in a beautiful blue fumé with hallmark horizontal texturing - affectionately referred to as the 'Garage Door' by some collectors. The dial features applied luminous indices, a matching luminous handset, a date window at 3 o’clock and a mono-counter 'bullseye' chronograph register at 6 o’clock, equipped with stacked minute and hour counter hands. 

Its Calibre CH 28-520 C flyback chronograph movement utilizes a column wheel mechanism and vertical clutch system for dead-on accuracy rating attested by the manufacture, as well as by our measure. This Nautilus makes for a pretty epic daily driver capable of just about anything you can throw at it!

Fitted to an integrated stainless steel bracelet which cohesively follows the case taper and culminates with a signed locking clasp, this comes accompanied by its inner and box set, leather folio, and Certificate of Origin dated April 2012.

A stainless steel complicated Nautilus — does it get any better than that?

Founded in Geneva in 1839, Patek Philippe occupies a rare position in watchmaking: a manufacture whose name has become shorthand for the very highest level of traditional Swiss horology. Its reputation has been built not simply on complication, but on an extraordinary continuity of design, technical innovation, hand-finishing, and craftsmanship. From the elemental elegance of the Calatrava to milestones such as the Reference 1518, the first serially produced perpetual-calendar chronograph wristwatch, Patek Philippe has repeatedly created watches that define their categories rather than participate in them.

Family-owned and independent since the Stern family acquired the company in 1932, Patek has the unusual freedom to think in generations rather than seasons. That independence has produced some wonderfully contrarian decisions, including discontinuing the wildly desirable steel Nautilus Reference 5711 at the height of its popularity. Today, its collection spans restrained dress watches, complicated masterpieces, and contemporary icons such as the Nautilus and Aquanaut, yet a remarkably consistent design language runs through them all.

For many collectors, owning a Patek Philippe represents something close to the summit of the hobby; for others, Patek becomes the hobby itself. Either way, few manufactures combine history, mechanical achievement, design, rarity, and emotion quite so convincingly. And, yes, as the famous campaign has reminded us for decades, ownership is supposedly temporary. You never actually own a Patek Philippe…

Well, you know the rest.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.