A rare destro and more Nautilus from Patek Philippe

THE Nautilus Ref 5811 might have stolen the limelight during Patek Philippe’s second drop this year, but there were plenty of other goodies as well.

Here, we take a closer look at two other cult Nautilus models that have been given new facelifts, Patek’s first ever left-handed split-seconds monopusher chronograph with perpetual calendar, and the first ever stainless steel version of a cult model.

Travel-Time Chronograph Ref 5990/1A-011

A Nautilus in steel is becoming as rare as hen’s teeth, but the Ref 5990/1A-011 is one of those.

Not only that, the reference now gets a new blue dial with sunburst finish and outwards black gradation.

But the clincher has to be the self-winding calibre CH 28-520 C FUS – which is not only practical for travellers or people who work across two time zones, but also extremely user-friendly.

Without taking off the watch, the wearer can set local time (indicated by the solid hand) by pressing the pushers at the 9 o’clock position on the case. That clever design also helps the watch to retain its signature Nautilus aesthetic.

Besides the travel time function, other useful complications on the Ref 5990 include the flyback chronograph, the day/night indicator, and the analogue date at the 12 o’clock position that is synchronised with the local time.

Moon Phase Ref 5712/1R-001

The first thing you’d notice about the Ref 5712 is the unusual placements of the sub-dials, which give the watch an asymmetrical look.

But that is also what makes the watch stand out and recognisable from a distance.

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The reference is now presented in a rose gold case and, for the first time, with a matching rose gold bracelet as well. It was previously only available with an integrated leather strap.

Complementing the rose gold case and bracelet is a soothing brown sunburst dial with black gradation to the periphery.

Split-seconds chronograph with perpetual calendar for left-handers Ref 5373P-001

Rarer than a Nautilus for sale in a boutique is a left-handed Patek timepiece, but lo and behold, we get one this year – crafted in small series, no less – with the Ref 5373P-001.

According to the brand’s press release, this is the “first chronograph for left-handers in Patek Philippe’s recent history”; and a Google search revealed that the last time it made one (literally, as it was a unique piece) of these was almost a century ago, back in 1927.

This is, however, the first time Patek has attempted a lefty split-seconds chronograph that also has a perpetual calendar.

Incidentally, this new watch is the successor to the Ref 5372 predecessor, but with inverted displays and operating elements.

The manually wound calibre CHR 27-525 PS Q movement is the thinnest of its kind ever made by Patek, but it still features two of the brand’s emblematic complications – the split-seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar.

World Time Flyback Chronograph Ref 5935A

The new self-winding Ref 5935A World Time Flyback Chronograph is the first stainless steel of a cult model.

The watch combines two of Patek Philippe’s prized complications – a flyback chronograph and a Travel Time function – so it’s not difficult to see why the model is so popular.

The shimmery salmon dial not only gives the Ref 5935A a cool vintage look, but the carbon motif in the centre – last seen on the Ref 6007 from 2020, a limited-edition Calatrava that released to commemorate the completion of the new manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates – also adds a touch of sportiness.