Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A vs. Gondolo 5124G

Dje · 2012-02-26T06:28:47Z

Dje debates between the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A and Gondolo 5124G. Explore collector insights on these iconic references.

Dje

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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Dje's reflective post captures the perennial spring urge for a new watch, specifically contrasting his long-held desire for the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A with a newfound appreciation for the Patek Philippe Gondolo Ref. 5124G. His contemplation offers a window into the collector's dilemma between an iconic sports watch and an elegant form watch, highlighting the emotional connection collectors develop with their desired pieces.

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Isn’t that the same story each year ?

We all wish a new year, new hopes, novelties, we want life to goes on! And new year comes, winter ends or seems to play an end, and we all feel that spring should be coming soon. And then summer!

Yesterday I was gardening and then running for an hour with only a tee shirt on (on top of course don’t worry, I run with the same short all year round). Finally some of the flowers are already there, or nearly, already getting out.

Watches! What about watches?

I spent the last week wearing the same watch, a watch among my oldest, that I offered myself for my 30th birthday, some time ago….

As each time I get it out of the safe and wear it, it rapidly gives me a deep urge to buy another one from the same brand, from the same family, under the same mythical name. I will show this watch very soon on another brand forum, as it is not a Patek Philippe, I’m still waiting for my first Patek Philippe. Hopefully this wait will end sooner than later! But this week I was seriously thinking about another xxxx. I compulsively looked at all the brochures I’ve collected in twenty years about this brand. And thought about several models.

I ended up my quest yesterday. Because it couldn’t last and because even if I know what xxxx I’d like to buy, I love so much the one I already have it’s not so necessary to get a second one. And because as you know I know what is the watch, all brands taken into account, that I want, and not just want, need, to buy!

So the Nautilus 5711/1A is still around in my dreams and my plans. But I have to confess that the other watch from last week, and some posts recently made here, make me think about another Patek Philippe I love too. It is my “other” choice, the 5124G!

I’ve always loved form watches. The “other” brand from last week is undoubtedly the historical brand for form watches and I’ve loved that brand too for more than 20 years. And I’ve loved the 5124G from the beginning, as soon as I saw it in Basel in 2008. The 5124 is the current Patek Philippe that probably is the best link to that brand. It doesn’t have a mobile dial like my watch from last week, but the more or less straight form case is suited. Should the other brand have retailed the 5124G both under its name and the Patek Philippe name, as they used to do in the past, my prioritary Nautilus would have been in trouble!

Thankfully there is one experience I have about watches: the watches I have so desperately aimed at for so long, always end up like an integral part of my body! Yes the Nautilus 5711/1A will seemingly end up like a part of my body.

The question I want to ask is not if I’ll get a Nautilus, but if I’ll take my first bath this year with a Nautilus on the wrist?

Last year it was late april, early may. Late april I will not turn 40, not yet. But I will turn. Should this be the perfect time, and should I keep my 40th birthday for an impossible Morgan 4/4?

In fact I feel urged to see the new dial 010, possibly in ten days at BaselWorld. Can you imagine how anxious I am to see the new colour?

In fact I feel more appealed by colours than complications these days. And light on watches. Is that spring again?

Spring is the time of renewed love. I feel I’m open!

Best

Dje

Ps: did you get the watch from last week, by the way? This message has been edited by Dje on 2012-02-26 06:29:34 This message has been edited by Dje on 2012-03-01 11:17:58

About the Patek Philippe Gondolo Ref. 5124

The Montblanc Calatrava reference 5124 is a notable example of the brand's dress watch offerings, characterized by its restrained design and classic proportions. This reference was produced during a period when Montblanc was expanding its horological presence, offering timepieces that emphasized traditional watchmaking aesthetics. It represents a more accessible entry point into the brand's mechanical watch collection, appealing to those seeking a refined and understated wristwatch without excessive complications.

Encased in either 18k white gold or 18k rose gold, the 5124 features a case measuring 36 mm in diameter and 46 mm from lug to lug, providing a balanced presence on the wrist. It is powered by the manual-wind caliber 25-21 REC PS, offering a power reserve of 44 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance, and has a water resistance rating of 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear.

This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate Montblanc's commitment to classical watch design and mechanical movements. Its availability in different precious metals and dial colors (silver or black) provides options for individual preference, while its lack of complications underscores its identity as a pure time-only dress watch. The 5124 fits within a lineage of watches that prioritize legibility and timeless style.

Specifications

Caliber: 25-21 REC PS

Case: 18k White Gold or 18k Rose Gold

Diameter: 36 mm x 46 mm

Dial: Silver or Black

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Nautilus and Aquanaut models are sometimes viewed with lukewarm passion by some collectors, who instead find Patek Philippe's complications (like the 3970/5970, 5959/3939, Annual Calendars, Worldtimers) and simple models (Calatrava Officer, Rectangles like 5100, 5101, 5124) to be more emblematic of the brand's identity.
For some, a Patek Philippe should ideally be made of precious metal, preferably colored gold, leading them to favor the 5124G over the steel Nautilus 5711/1A, also noting the 5124's closer aesthetic link to other historical form watch brands.
A collector who owns both a Nautilus and a 5124G praises the 5124G as a wonderful watch and the most pleasant on the wrist, advising against looking at it too closely if one's heart is set on the 5711.
A fellow collector advises Dje to pursue the Nautilus 5711/1A, emphasizing that if a watch has been a long-standing desire, no other acquisition will truly satisfy the craving.
The author clarifies that his 'other watch' is not a Patek Philippe and is a possible twin to the 5124, not the 5711, hinting at another brand known for form watches.
The author confirms his strong conviction for the 5711, stating that despite loving gold watches, they don't fit his lifestyle or job, and that the 5711 is unequivocally 'his' watch.

The Discussion

scurfa

Feb 26, 2012

Go for it! I am 40 in may and was going to buy a new...

Patek I like the 6000G and the Aquanaut and of course the 5711 but I want new and the wait for the 5711 is just too long and then we sold our house on the first day it was advertised so now were moving and it's proving expensive and this morning I had a bright idea about ordering a 5711 and by the time it comes I would of paid for it! Problem solved!

Dje

Feb 28, 2012

Easy way to fix problems! Be optimistic!

Hi, I may end up trying that way. Best Dje

amanico

Feb 26, 2012

You are in love for such a long time, my friend that you have to get it.

This is the absolute opposite of a compulsive buy... If after so many years the love is here, for this Naughty lus, then you have ot grab it, with the new or the old dial ( didn't get the difference, by the way ). I just wish you to get if faster than any possbile price increase. All the best, and thanks for keeping us updated with the PP novelties, soon. Nicolas.

Dje

Feb 28, 2012

Sure, you'll get all the news

Hi Nicolas, Yes it has been a long desire already, but that doesn't mean I deserve it yet! But indeed I don't want to get any other watch before my 5711 now. I'll stick to it! In fact I wait more for the moment I'll get it and enjoy it, than for the fact of having it! I want to really deserve that moment! If I'm a good boy at school who knows.... See you soon Dje

dr.kol

Feb 26, 2012

Be careful Dje!

I have been happily wearing a Nautilus for the last seven years. One month ago I bought 5124G. That watch is simply wonderful and it is probably the most pleasant watch on the wrist I have ever tried. During the coming week I'm getting from Italy a folding clasp where the buckle is of the same style as the original buckle of 5124G. Furthermore, I have also ordered from Paris an ostrich strap for the watch. Then my new watch will probably feel and look like my dream watch. So if you really want t

Dje

Feb 28, 2012

I know Kari, don't worry! I'll get the 5711 first! nt