Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1R: A Rose Gold Icon of Asymmetry and Elegance
Patek Philippe is one of the most revered brands in exquisite watchmaking. The brand, known for its unrivaled workmanship, creativity, and legacy, has long been the benchmark in Swiss horology.
Founded in 1851 by Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe, the maison immediately gained popularity among nobility and collectors alike, becoming the favored watch of Queen Victoria.
The Stern Family and the Power of Independence:
During the Great Depression, Patek Philippe had significant financial troubles. At the time, the Stern family, famous dial manufacturers located in Geneva, was one of the company's main suppliers. Charles and Jean Stern purchased a majority stake in the company in 1932, aware of the brand's importance and eager to retain a key client. Under their control, the firm was formally titled Patek Philippe SA.
The Stern family continues to oversee Patek Philippe today. It is one of the few surviving independent, family-owned watchmakers, now managed by Thierry Stern, the fourth generation to run the company. Their unwavering dedication to quality has served to cement Patek Philippe's reputation as a symbol of heritage, innovation, and everlasting distinction.
‘You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’
The Quartz Crisis and the Birth of the Nautilus
The company was long recognized for its traditional dress timepieces, intricate pocket pieces, and refined elegance. However, the landscape of horology was altering; the quartz crisis, which was shaking the Swiss watch industry, threatened the relevance of mechanical watches.
The consumer's preferences were evolving towards sportier and more adaptable timepieces. Patek Philippe needs to modernize without losing its identity.
Gérald Genta
In order to achieve the consumers' desire, they requested a new design from the great Gérald Genta, who developed the Royal Oak for Audemars Piquet in 1972. According to legend, Genta sketched the Nautilus' initial design on a napkin while observing Patek executives at the Basel watch show in 1974. The result was the Nautilus reference 3700, whose design was influenced by marine portholes. The watch is notable for its rounded octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and horizontal embossed dial, which were bold, unconventional, and unmistakably modern at the time.
That was the phrase used to unveil the Nautilus, and it summed up the bravery of the time. Patek Philippe urged collectors to embrace both a new material and a new philosophy: sporty could be elegant, and steel could be luxurious.
The original Nautilus was nicknamed the 'Jumbo' because its large 42 mm case and minimalist dial contrasted with the period's aesthetics. Though it was controversial when it first came out in 1976, it has since become one of the most desirable watches in the world.
The history of the Nautilus 5712.
The 5712 was introduced in 2006, marking the Nautilus' 30th anniversary. It was part of a broader refresh of the Nautilus line that also included the iconic Nautilus reference 5711. While the 5711 maintained a clean, classic, time-only design, the 5712 offers something more nuanced, a complication-packed layout that sets it apart within the Nautilus family.
One of the most distinctive features of the 5712 is its off-center, asymmetrical dial: The power reserve indicator is at 10 o’clock, and the small seconds subdial is at 4 o’clock. The moon phase and date subdial at 7 o’clock.
The Ref. 5712 is the direct successor to the short-lived Ref. 3712, which was produced in very limited numbers just a year earlier. Building on the design and complication layout of the 3712, the 5712 became a mainstay in the Nautilus collection. It was offered in stainless steel until March 2025, after which it was discontinued in that configuration. Today, the 5712 is available exclusively in 18kt rose gold, a variant that was first introduced in 2010.
Introducing the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1R in full 18kt. Rose Gold
Until October 2022, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 was only available with a leather strap, establishing its status as a more elegant, dress-oriented member of the Nautilus line. However, this changed with the introduction of the 5712/1R, featuring an integrated 18kt rose gold bracelet.
Aesthetics & Conform:
This bracelet not only updated the watch's aesthetics to a newer and sportier design, but it also introduced Patek Philippe's micro-adjustment clasp mechanism, providing more comfort and modern functionality on a long-standing favorite. The clasp mechanism allows the owner to extend the bracelet by 2 mm on each side, for a total of 4 mm, with just a press of a button.
Caliber 240:
Inside the 5712/1R beats the Caliber 240, an ultra-thin automatic movement powered by a micro-rotor. It supports all three complications, the power reserve, moon phase, and date, while maintaining an incredibly slim profile at just 8.52mm thick.
More Than a Watch: A Legacy on the Wrist:
The Nautilus is more than a watch; it’s a symbol. It tells the story of a traditional brand taking a bold leap at just the right moment. It embodies versatility, innovation, and timeless cool. And, like all great Patek Philippe timepieces, it’s built not just for one lifetime, but for many. The brand’s priceless legacy and heritage are best captured by its enduring slogan.
Shop our current collection of Patek Philippe Nautilus here.
Thanks for reading!
Stuart Curfs
Steiner Maastricht