Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R Review
Review

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R Review

By jenjames · Feb 3, 2014 · 16 replies
jenjames
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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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.

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 Nautilus Ref. 5711

The Patek Philippe reference 5711/1A-011, part of the Complications collection, is distinguished by its white dial, offering a different aesthetic compared to other dial variations within the 5711 series. This particular configuration provides a clean and legible presentation, appealing to collectors who prefer a more understated yet refined look. It represents a specific iteration of a well-known Patek Philippe model, recognized for its integrated design.

The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber 26-330 SC movement. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The case is fitted with a sapphire crystal, contributing to its water resistance of 120 meters. The fixed bezel and integrated bracelet are characteristic elements of its construction.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in the evolution of Patek Philippe's offerings, particularly those seeking specific dial colors within established model lines. Its production run from 2019 to 2021 marks it as a relatively recent, yet now discontinued, variant. The watch's specifications align with Patek Philippe's standards for mechanical timepieces.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.26-330 SC
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
White
Water Resist.
120m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Feb 3, 2014

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

FR
Fricks
Feb 3, 2014

... 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.

MA
Mark in Paris
Feb 4, 2014

Thanks a lot for the feedback, it is always interesting to hear. Cheers.

SM
small-luxury-world
Feb 4, 2014

even when it is quite addictive :-) Oliver

AR
Arie - Mr Orange
Feb 4, 2014

Congrats on the 1R! the clasp it will loosen up over time, but it is not the easiest clasp to open bracelet one big downside tho, especialy for the $$$ a PP costs, no 'winter'/'summer' setting possibility like the Rolex Easylink / Glidelock. How is it possible that brands like PP and AP can't figure something similar out? Indeed the dial ticks every box. Perfectly balanced.

JE
jenjames
Feb 4, 2014

Arie... Thank you very much for highlighting the lack of "easylink" design by Rolex... I totally agree with your comment that it would be so much more convenient... Now that the PP Nautilus no longer comes with screws for the bracelet adjustment, it is even more technically challenging for me to do any sort of adjustment so it will always be a trip back to the boutique. The plus point thou is a super solid link and no worries of lose screws... Btw... Nice White 5980! Looks very sober and clean!

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