Patek Philippe Ref. 5711 Nautilus Tiffany 170th Anniversary Edition
24 Hours Later
24 Hours Later: The Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. Ref. 5711/1A-018 Nautilus
This limited edition timepiece honors 170 years of a beautiful friendship.
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
Surprise! Yesterday, Patek Philippe announced a stunning new collaboration with long-time retail partner Tiffany & Co.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 will only be sold at Tiffany & Co. locations that carry Patek Philippe in New York, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco. And though it comes with an exquisite Tiffany Blue dial, it also comes with (no surprise) a bit of controversy. Here’s what you need to know.
New York Minute
Historically speaking, these two iconic brands have been walking hand-in-hand since 1851, when Tiffany became Patek’s first official retail partner in the U.S.
Today, Patek Philippe watches are available in more locations, but a select few Tiffany & Co. boutiques still offer them. And on the secondary market, models co-stamped “Tiffany & Co.” sell for big bucks.
Unsurprisingly, each of the new Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 timepieces will feature this double-logo, but they will also bear the inscription: “170th Anniversary Tiffany & Co – Patek Philippe 1851-2021.” But beyond the astronomical price this Nautilus will no doubt command on the secondary market, this partnership is worth celebrating, and the signature Tiffany blue dial well-and-truly is to die for.
Still, news of this limited edition instantly caused consternation amongst collectors.
Reference Point
What’s causing all the kerfuffle? Last January, Patek Philippe unexpectedly announced that it was ceasing production of the Ref. 5711. The brand reasoned that the attention and demand for the sporty stainless steel watch had become a distraction from its many other fine complications.
Thus, online, collectors who signed in January for what they thought would be the last Ref. 5711 were (understandably) a little frustrated. On top of those disgruntled enthusiasts, would-be buyers of the new 5711/1A-018 were disappointed to discover that spots on the waiting list already exceed the 170-model production run.
A Good Cause Clause
Whenever Patek Philippe makes a move, a certain amount of consternation builds up among enthusiasts. But that’s because the brand’s fans are very passionate.
They are also very forgiving. And Patek Philippe swears that this will absolutely be the last time the Ref. 5711 will be produced.
We here at Watchonista prefer to err on the side of: Never say never.
Still, not an insignificant number of collectors are rejoicing at the fact that one of these limited-edition timepieces will be auctioned off through Phillips. After all, why shouldn’t collectors view this auction as a prime opportunity to get their hands on a 5711? As one Instagram commenter noted, your odds of getting a Ref. 5711/1A-018 at auction are actually much higher than getting one via a boutique waiting list.
All proceeds from the auction benefit a charity of Tiffany’s choice. In this case, that charity is the global environmental organization, The Nature Conservancy.
Eagle-eyed enthusiasts have also spotted a special Easter egg on the caseback — on the numeral "1" of 2021 you’ll find the letters “LVMH” inscribed—a nod to Tiffany’s new owners, the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy Group.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1A-018 will retail for $52,635 through select boutiques.
For more details on the auction, visit the Phillips website.
Visit Tiffany & Co.'s landing page for their Patek Philippe selection.
(All images © Patek Philippe)
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