VARIATION ON A THEME
The Geneva-based manufacture proposes a contemporary aesthetic design for this timepiece combining an elegant sporty spirit with practical everyday calendar complications.
In 2010, Patek Philippe unveiled a steel Nautilus with an annual calendar, Moon phase display and a 24-hour indication. Versions with gradated gray and white dials then came along to round out the line. This year, the manufacture is proposing a new version with a subtle blue-to-black gradated dial, reference 5726/1A-014. This color may be in fashion, but it could already be found on the original model back in 1976. Time information come in a classic presentation, with the day of the week, month and date displayed in their respective apertures. The portions of the Earth’s satellite illuminated by the sun can be seen in a window at 6 o’clock. The baton-shaped hour and minute hands in gray gold, like the markers they point to, are coated in a luminescent material.
All the time information is masterfully orchestrated by the caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/303 comprising 347 parts. This self-winding movement, invented and patented by Patek Philippe in 1996, only needs to be adjusted once a year for the date, on 1 March. This mechanical architecture is protected by a 40.5-mm case that is watertight to 120 meters. Its gold central rotor central can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. Once wound, it provides a power reserve of 35 to 45 hours.
A strap in the same material as the case, with a fold-over clasp, accompanies the 5726/1A-014 reference. Its links have a silky, polished finish.
Price: 41’670 EUR
By Dan Diaconu