Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R Review

jenjames · 2014-02-03T09:49:07Z

Jenjames reviews the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R: accuracy, design, wearability, and unique chronograph features. Essential insights for collectors.

jenjames

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

16 replies13781 views6 photos

Jenjames offers a candid, owner's perspective on the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5980/1R, providing invaluable insights for potential buyers. This review, grounded in personal experience, delves into the nuances of design, quality, and wearability, making it a crucial resource for collectors considering this iconic reference.

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Hi and g'day everyone...

I own a 5980-1R for than a month now and I am doing a short personal review (strictly IMHO) for those who are interested in getting one, I hope you will find my review helpful and eventually "pull the trigger"! So here we go...

PRESENTATION

Comes with the exact same heavy top quality wooden box like all Nautilus but it is useless to me since I never use the box. It also comes with stylus for the date adjustment.

DESIGN

Can't go wrong with Genta all time classic line.. Being a huge fan of GG who own a small collection of Genta's design (wristwatches GG, AP, PP, IWC3227 and VC 222, glasswares, small accessories, jewelry and sunglasses), this is a sweet and unmistakeable evolution of the original jumbo.. It is a timeless masterpiece based from one of the greatest designer original design and manufactured by one of the best horological master watch maker of our time.

QUALITY

We almost bought a 5980 SS blue dial 4 years ago.. But upon collecting the watch, we were shocked to see a screw floating inside the movement visible through the rear display and jam the automatic rotating plate! That certainly put me off the 5980 for a long time..

To substitute, we bought the 5711 blue 5711 white 5712r then 5980r (two years after the shocking incident, we give finally hahaha)... But my heart is still with a SS 5980 especially the white dial on a bracelet of course. With that sort of memories, I have been very critical with this watch, I timed it everyday and test the chrono function to no end for the first week...

Accuracy is +2 sec per week!! WOW I am very impressed. Case and bracelet, only one word, perfection. This is a top quality product from a top brass manufacturer.

FUNCTION

Time, Date and Chronograph. Certainly keep excellent time. Date is a no issue and easy to adjust using a simple wooden toothpick and it is large enough to be readily readable. Chronograph, despite I do not use it (at all) but it makes the watch looks special. The single counter when not in use, it hide the hands together making the dial looks tidy which I like (OCD!) The chronograph pushers are easily operated (no need to unscrew the pusher eg Daytona) and the "feel" is solid and sturdy. I read somewhere that it can be operated under water. I yet to try it so I cannot comment on that yet.

WEARABILITY

I find the thicker case looks more sporty and purposeful than the thinner Nautilus. The 5711 is great especially if you have a very large wrist. The chrono can be worn by smaller wrist yet somehow "looks" better IMHO.

I am used to heavy watches (daily beater Rolex218206) so the weight of the 18KPG is no problem at all. Very comfortable and well balanced weight. A joy to wear for long hours.

The bracelet is thicker than the 5711 and thus more sturdy providing more support to the thicker case and gives it a great weight distribution.

I wear my watches playing golf, swim and jacuzzi/spa everyday.

BLING FACTOR

It is not really a "bling bling" watch. The 18KPG with the dark color dial is not shouting like a 18KYG Rolex but it does carries an undeniable touch of luxurious aura which is great when you are looking for a low key luxury.

PRICE

Compared to the SS 5980, I think the price differences is reasonable asking considering it looks completely different in person when you put the SS against the 18KPG that I am seriously looking at adding the white SS. Compare to my Mrs's 5980R again it is a very different watch. I personally find the "bull-eye" with the leather strap is a tad too sporty for my personal taste, but she like it.

CON

- The clasp is too tight and a real pain to open. I usually wear my watches on my right hand but this, I am using it on my left hand so it is earlier for me to "pull" open the bracelet. I usually take off my watch a few times a day but this one, I couldn't be bothered. I hope after it has properly "run in" it will loosen up a bit..
- The bezel scratch magnet is certainly not a myth!
- The asking price (?)

PRO

+ Very versatile with the bracelet, go everywhere. Great for humid climate.
+ The 18KPG is very wearable and subtle luxury one can enjoy everyday.
+ Low profile (?) ... A few people thought it is a new Burberry Watch (check it out! Look similar)
+ Keep good time and great legibility in all lighting condition. Big date display too.
+ Timeless design! A true classic!
+ It is a Patek Philippe!

Now for some photos (sorry, only some very random pic using iphone)

I hope you will find my review helpful. If you need more details to potentially close the deal, do drop me a line.

Good luck!

Best regards,
james

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5711

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5711/1A is a specific configuration within the Complications model line. This particular reference is identified by its serial number 5914840, with a movement number 6084863.

The watch is presented in a stainless steel case, indicated by the "/1A" suffix. No specific details regarding the crystal material or movement architecture are provided.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe Complications model in stainless steel. Its specific serial and movement numbers are documented for identification purposes.

Specifications

Caliber: 26-330 S C

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Blue, White

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The author finds the 5980/1R's accuracy impressive at +2 seconds per week, highlighting the perfection of its case and bracelet quality.
The single chronograph counter is appreciated for its tidy appearance, with hands hiding together when not in use, and pushers are noted for solid operation without unscrewing.
The thicker case of the 5980/1R is preferred for its sporty and purposeful look compared to thinner Nautilus models, offering better wearability for smaller wrists.
The 18K rose gold with a dark dial offers a low-key luxury aura, avoiding an overtly "blingy" appearance.
The clasp is noted as being too tight initially but is expected to loosen over time, though the lack of a 'winter'/'summer' setting like Rolex's Easylink/Glidelock is a significant downside for a watch of this price.
The polished links of the bracelet are prone to scratches, but these are less obvious than scratches on the bezel, which is large, flat, and perfectly brushed, making even small imperfections stand out.

The Discussion

amanico

Feb 3, 2014

Thanks for these very interesting feelings, James.

It is always helpful for those who are considering a Watch to read the owners' impressions on the same timekeeper. Bravo! Best, Nicolas.

jenjames

Feb 4, 2014

I try my best...

G'day Nicolas, Thank you for reading and posting feedbacks! Yes I try my best to be very candid and personal on my review as an "owner perspective" hoping it can be helpful for those who might be in the market to buy one soon. Cheers and have a good week! Best regards, James

amanico

Feb 4, 2014

And that is much appreciated, James.

Fricks

Feb 3, 2014

That's a real detailed owner review...

... thanks for sharing your impressions. About the bezel being a scratch magnet, i find the polished links of the bracelet being so easy to scratch. But with time, hopefully a soft patina, it should be ok and give it some caracter.

jenjames

Feb 4, 2014

Scratch magnet...

Fricks, You are most welcomed and thank you for taking your time to respond.. Re the scratch magnet... The scratches on the polished bits on the bracelet is not that obvious in day to day unless you put it under the proper lighting and taking a close look otherwise it is all good. I find sweat and not rinsing out the watch contribute greatly to oxidisatiion. My Rolex 116618 turns very yellow after 3 months and a very light general "polish" (more like wipe down) with a polishing cloth will bring

Fricks

Feb 5, 2014

true true true...

... i fully agree with you. Finding excuses, scars are the signs of a life full of rich experiences, they give caracter, etc... still the scratches on that wide bezel that is perfectly brushed are like eye magnets. Again, we usually get used to it with time and lots of self convincing ;)