Legacy and Legend
Sometimes it seems as a legend grows the legacy follows, and that is certainly true in the case of Patek Philippe and the Nautilus 5811. As the brand grows and ages like a fine wine, the 5811 watch also gets updated, changes that might be slight, but are truly remarkable. There will be other metals in the future, and probably steel as well, but this exquisite 18k White gold case and bracelet set with a classic blue dial embraces the classic style completely. Almost identical cosmetically, the case size is just slightly larger, there is a new lockable adjustment system in the bracelet, a new pull out lever system and of course the beautiful white gold. The dial is a richer blue, sunburst that graduates darker at the edge. As legacy would stand, going back to your roots is always the heart of tradition.
Similar But Unique
Touching on the differences in this new Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811 the brand says the main stand out is the case is now two parts, much similar to the original Gerald Genta designs of the 1970’s Nautilus timepieces. The dial and case are very true to the original with a water-resistance of 120 meters, and a flat sapphire crystal over the dial. The crown lever system is new and of course patented by the brand. The new design allows you to pull out the screw-down crown from the case’s dial side, allowing you to adjust the time without having to remove the watch from the wrist. The width is 1mm larger, so 41mm wide and still 8.2mm thick. The date window is now framed in white gold allowing it to match the exterior. Powered by the brand 26-330 S C movement the 5811 packs just the right punch. The more modern design is in line with competition and helps the brand stay on track. The in-house movement features the time with seconds and date, with a hacking seconds complication that was not part of the predecessor, the 5711. The movement has a 21k gold automatic rotor and you can see the beautiful finish from the rear of the case. Paying true honor to the 50 year old Nautilus, this new model is quite spectacular.
Deploy and Develop
The change to the bracelet might seem small, but it is large improvement. While it looks very much the same, it provides a deployant system which modernizes the timepiece bracelet. No more clasp, but a thin butterfly deplyant, allowing for micro-adjustment, two small segments open and close on either side of this deployant. Easy to use and appreciated by all those that own a 5711. This is certainly not the end of the changes for Patek Philippe, as the Nautilus 5811 will be released in other metals, and perhaps other changes. The watches are extremely difficult to find right now, and perhaps will drive further metals to be developed more quickly. However, the white gold 5811 is stunning and will be appreciated by all the horological lovers.
