Why the Patek Philippe Nautilus is the Horological Marvel

Patek Philippe is one of those brands that everyone thinks of when they are asked to picture a luxury watch. It bridges timeless style with effortless practicality, with buyers heralding the superb craftsmanship as well as the exclusive feel that comes with owning a watch from one of the rarest brands and collections in the world. 

The Nautilus is just one model to have come from the Patek Philippe brand, but it is unarguably one of the most famous and well-loved – which is why it’s often considered a horological marvel. Designed as a luxury sports watch, this timepiece is the epitome of practical style with a shape which mimics a nautical porthole and a structure that deems the watch waterproof to an impressive depth of 120m.

In this article, we’re sharing some of the key features that make the Patek Philippe Nautilus a horological marvel and why this particular watch is such a faultless investment. 

The Story behind the Nautilus

To understand the launch of, and story behind, the Nautilus wristwatch, you need to know a little more about the Patek Philippe brand. 

Patek Philippe was founded back in 1839 and remains the only independently owned and family-run Genevan watch manufacturer. Despite competition from names like Audemars Piguet, and the rise of the quartz crisis which made it virtually impossible for the brand to use its quartz movement, Patek Philippe has long been considered an innovative brand that responds to challenge by pushing boundaries.

And that’s exactly how the Nautilus was born. The Nautilus was created by designer Gerald Genta who had previously created the Royal Oak collection for Audemars Piguet. Patek Philippe tasked Genta with creating a luxury timepiece made entirely from steel, marking a huge shift away from the classic gold of previous models. 

However, as we move into the key features of the Nautilus, it was the unique design that pushed this timepiece to the forefront of buyers’ interest.

Key Features of the Patek Philippe Nautilus

From the outside, the Nautilus timepiece is a classic and stylish watch – with the rounded watch face which resembles a porthole, and the date dial in the 3 o’clock position for quick and easy reading. 

The original Nautilus was constructed in a 42mm size, though over time different releases have spanned different sizes and heralded different finishes and details. For example, the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus release in 2006 was met with a rounded case and modified design, specifically emphasising the inner workings of the watch via a transparent case back.

Other key features include the steel bracelet, the bold shape (which marked a move away from the previously very streamlined and small Patek Philippe wristwatches), and the robust nature which made this watch suitable for younger and more active users. 

Patek Philippe Nautilus as an investment

One of the most interesting things about the Nautilus is that it was the brainchild of Gerald Genta who designed it. Patek Philippe simply wanted something revolutionary to transform the market – with Genta pitching the Nautilus as a result.

It was, for all intents and purposes, a revolutionary design with huge dreams – spanning the waterproofing of 120m and the iconic steel link bracelet. Everything about the Nautilus was different from what the brand was used to, which is perhaps why it remains such a staple and standout piece today. 

If you’re looking for a Patek Philippe timepiece that’s worthy of your investment, then you can do no better than the Nautilus. Whether you opt for a classic from the model’s first release, or for one of the more modern variations with different colour palettes and distinguished finishes, this is a timepiece which holds its value. 

With Patek Philippe famed in the luxury world as a brand that deals with exclusivity and scarcity, every timepiece that gets released to market comes with a waitlist – with authentic and genuine Patek Nautilus watches increasingly difficult to come by. Whether you want to wear it everyday or invest in and keep hold of your watch for a rainy day, there are countless reasons why you should choose a Nautilus as your next investment. 

Get in touch with your local reputable reseller to browse their current range.