Along with the creation of Apple Computers and the Concorde Transatlantic Airplane, 1976 brought us one of the most iconic watch designs recognized to date, and by none other than the legendary Gerald Genta. This icon of design was the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700.
Four years earlier, Genta created the also very iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 5402, which was our first introduction to the porthole design that went on to inspire many other noteworthy watches. Like the Royal Oak’s slow beginnings, the Nautilus also took time to gain traction due to its unconventional stainless steel case for a luxury watch and expensive price point, which led to very low initial production numbers. The porthole design not only inspired the watch's appearance, but the name Nautilus was in reference to Captain Nemo’s submarine in the novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea”.
This ref. 5990/1A takes that iconic design and adds a few complications that make it more travel-friendly, including a flyback chronograph, a Travel Time function (two time zones with two separate hour hands), and an analog date at 12 o'clock. It's in remarkable condition, just waiting to accompany someone on a trip worthy of such an epic piece.
SPECS
| Stock # | PPNLDTC5990 | |
| Brand | Patek Philippe | |
| Style | Nautilus Dual-Time Chronograph | |
| Model | 5990/1A | |
| Serial | N/A | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Grey | |
| Millimeters | 43.5 | |
| Bracelet | Patek Philippe Integrated Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The strong and well-preserved stainless steel case appears to be unpolished and retains crisp angles and chamfers throughout, with honest signs of use present. The bezel is in excellent condition overall with strong finishing present and honest wear like the case. The exhibition case back is in beautiful condition and shows off the Cal. CH 28-250 C FUS movement in all its glory. The watch retains its original Patek-signed crown and integrated stainless steel bracelet, which retains a total of 22 links that show very minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist. The watch comes with two additional bracelet links as well.
DIAL & HANDS
The iconic "striped" grey dial is in flawless condition. The dial features two subdials: a date subdial at 12 o'clock and a sub-seconds at 6 o'clock, both of which are equally clean. The lume plots at each hour marker are totally intact and still a bright white color, matching the primary hour and minute hands, all of which are in excellent condition. The white skeletonized hand completes the package and is in just as flawless of condition as everything else.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes supplied with its original outer cardboard shipping box, inner and outer presentation boxes, Certificate of Origin, serialized hang tag, setting pusher, booklets, and leather Patek Phillipe document holder.
