Patek Philippe

For the Nautilus Fans. 

I enjoyed mine when I had it, in particular the asymmetric dial layout. For me it’s far more interesting than the 5711, but on reflection I wish I had bought the 5980 (rather than the 5712) when I had the chance.

From 2012-2018 I desperately and over-energetically chased Nautilus, any Nautilus.  I'd drag my wife to the Patek AD (100 miles away) when she had no interest in watches - she only had interest in being with me.  At the AD I was a shameless fanboy but thought I was playing it cool - professing my love for Patek and admiration of any sales associate who would talk to me.  Looking back on my behavior I cringe. I'm sure the salespeople at the AD would look through their boutique windows and see me coming.  I was a typical middle age Caucasian, mildly successful with the visual trappings of someone trying to make a positive impression.  To a Patek AD I'm a run-of-the-mill blowhard trying to score a hot watch and coming into the boutique with a salesman's high energy.  I was probably the 20th guy that day that fit my description and behavior.  I can imagine I was tiresome to them.

At the rate I was going with my lack of quick success, I thought it an impossible dream to ever acquire a Patek Nautilus.  During these visits my wife was always quiet, soft and a very pleasant creature in every way.  She was also the only authentic, caring person in the room.  She was the one who mailed hand-written cards and notes to the salesman and AD.  She was the one who sometimes slipped back into the boutique alone to give an additional heartfelt thank you to the manager and sales associate.  Years later in the spring of 2018 I finally received an email from the AD that they had something special for me.  My wife and I again made the 100 mile drive to see which piece it would be - and it was the 5712/1A-001.  Of course I accepted the piece immediately. 

 

Looking back on these crucial moments I easily realize that my wife was pure magic in this social calculus.  She was instrumental nudging the Universe in my direction.  My wife is a special kind of spiritual - not dogmatic religious - but embodies the power of putting positivity out there and firmly believing it will come back to her.  Prior to being offered the watch, our associate at the AD wore a 5712/1A-001 for many of our visits.  My wife rarely spoke and when she did it was softly and intelligently.  And it meant something.  She deftly complimented his taste and the gentleman said that the watch was a gift from his girlfriend.  In my cynical, zero-sum game mind I immediately thought two things (1) it didn't seem fair that a Patek associate was allocated such a hot watch and (2) him saying it was a gift was a knee-jerk response that lucky SOBs typically use to diffuse the moment and thwart further questions.  But my wife warmly complimented his girlfriend's kindness and thoughtfulness.  My job was to smile, keep my mouth shut and play to my strength (be invisible in this moment).   

 

Silly movie from 1992 called White Men Can't Jump.  One quote I often remember and when I'm at my personal best I practice it:  

 

Listen to the woman.

 

Best,

Robert

My favorite nautilus (along with 5740).

unbalanced dial there is ! 🤣

along with the 3712/1A, 5740/1G.

but I'll treasure this one, as it has my name on the Cert of Origin.