Patek Philippe Nautilus: Why Some Collectors Just Can't Love It

Key Points from the Discussion

• The current 'chase' for the Nautilus, particularly the green dial, is often driven by market hype rather than genuine collector appreciation, reminiscent of speculative bubbles.
• The Nautilus 5711 and 5712 are considered classics with enduring design, but larger Nautilus models lose their elegance, becoming 'just another fat sports watch.' True appreciation often comes from experiencing the watch on the wrist.
• Some collectors find the Nautilus 'fugly' or 'unremarkable,' likening its design to a child's drawing or 'the Flintstones watch,' and are primarily animated by its exorbitant market prices and the 'craven behavior' of those chasing it.
• The Nautilus's unique shape, which blends circular and square forms, is 'unnatural' and challenges conventional aesthetic appreciation. Those who appreciate it may possess a broader sense of aesthetics beyond natural or symmetrical linear forms.
• Personal aesthetic preferences are highly subjective; disliking a watch's appearance, even an iconic one like the Nautilus or Royal Oak, is a valid opinion and should not be considered discourteous.
• The Nautilus design, while potentially appealing on a stand, often 'does not please the human wrist,' failing to enhance its appearance.