Patek Philippe's Legendary Nautilus Ref. 5711 Returns as a One-of-a-Kind Auction Piece for Charity
Patek Philippe’s hand-engraved Ref. 5711/1500A Nautilus will be auctioned on November 25, 2024, in support of Children Action. With the brand recently unveiling its first new collection in a quarter-century, Patek Philippe once again captures headlines with the reappearance of its famed steel sport watch featuring an integrated bracelet. Since its debut in 2006, the Ref. 5711 Nautilus in steel has sparked massive interest; ten-year waitlists, limited runs, and notable editions like the green and Tiffany Blue dials have only fueled its allure. This phase-out of Patek's most in-demand watch model has only heightened its appeal and desirability.
Patek Ref. 5711/1500A
Today, the mention of “5711” reignites excitement in the watch-collecting world. The legendary steel 5711 returns (potentially for the last time) as the Ref. 5711/1500A, a one-of-a-kind, hand-engraved masterpiece donated by Patek Philippe. It will be auctioned at the Children Action Gala on November 25, 2024.
Founded in 1994 by Swiss entrepreneur Bernard Sabrier, Children Action, based in Geneva, has committed to improving the lives of impoverished children globally, impacting over 215,000 young lives. Held every two years, the Children Action Gala hosts a small selection of auction items to fund these initiatives—occasionally featuring exceptionally rare watches.
Patek Ref. 5711/1500A at the Children Action Gala
Since 2005, Patek has consistently donated unique pieces to the Children Action Gala. Past contributions include special editions like the Ref. 6000T Calatrava in 2007, Ref. 5180T Skeleton in 2009, Ref. 5131J Worldtimer in 2012, Ref. 5396T Annual Calendar in 2015, Ref. 5524T Calatrava Pilot Travel Time in 2018, and Ref. 5270T Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in 2022. Each is a one-of-a-kind timepiece, often featuring titanium cases or customized dials, making these watches instant collector’s items. In 2022, the Ref. 5270T set a record, fetching 9.7 million CHF; to achieve similar success, the 5711/1500A would need to exceed $6,503,500. Regardless, proceeds will benefit an invaluable cause.
Speculation abounds as to whether this edition will mark the last steel 5711 produced. The Ref. 5711/1500A captures the essence of Patek Philippe's versatility; few brands today can balance the realms of traditional Swiss craftsmanship and cutting-edge luxury with such finesse. Patek’s recent models like the Ref. 5260/1455R Aquanaut Luce Rainbow showcase the brand's forward-looking spirit, while releases such as the Ref. 5160/500R Retrograde Perpetual Calendar pay homage to classic horology.
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Maori-Inspired Engraving
The 5711/1500A’s case, bezel, bracelet, and caseback are intricately engraved with a “Māori-inspired” design—this homage to New Zealand’s Māori culture is unprecedented in Patek Philippe’s catalog. The overall aesthetic bears some similarity to the decorative style seen on models like the Ref. 5160/500R, the Ref. 6002R Sky Moon Tourbillon, and the iconic Ref. 5175R Grandmaster Chime. Patek Philippe has a long tradition of employing hand-engraving in its high-complication pieces; however, the Children Action 5711/1500A stands out as the first-ever Nautilus and Patek Philippe sport watch—and indeed the first steel watch from the brand—to feature an engraved case.
Matching Cufflinks
In keeping with the Nautilus’s unique dark grey dial that hints at brown, this exceptional watch comes with a complementary pair of hand-engraved cufflinks. The dial color, though not officially labeled, complements the cufflinks' “charcoal gray sunburst center with a black-gradient rim.”
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Children Action, the 2024 Gala will feature the 5711/1500A as a highlight of the evening. Aurel Bacs of Phillips Bacs & Russo will conduct the live auction, with all proceeds directed towards Children Action’s mission of securing the fundamental rights of every child—a childhood.
