NAUTILUS MODEL, REF. 5976⁄1G, CIRCA 2017

Launched in September 2016, the greatly anticipated white gold Nautilus 5976⁄1G chronograph with diamond dial indexes was made in a limited edition of 1,300 pieces for the 40th anniversary of the Nautilus model, it is presented in a vintage-style cork box in homage to the original 1976 Nautilus. Almost impossible to obtain today, the present watch is only the fifth example to have appeared at auction in the last 6 years. Christie’s is therefore delighted to be able to offer to collectors the opportunity to secure a superlative example of this very rarely seen special edition Nautilus.
There are two special features of the 40th anniversary Nautilus: the commemorative embossing on the dial, and the diamond indexes. Between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock, the dial is embossed "1976-40-2016". The indexes are set with 10 baguette-cut diamonds and three princess-cut diamonds totaling approximately .29 ct. As a vital complication of a sports watch, the reference is equipped with a chronograph function and a variation of the renowned ‘bull's eye’ subsidiary dial. First seen on reference 5960, this design has captivated the hearts of collectors. Reference 5976⁄1G is fitted with Patek Philippe's entirely in-house made chronograph calibre 28-520 C. The solid 18K white gold case has a 44 mm. diameter and an impressive thickness of 12.16 mm., together with the Nautilus bracelet also in solid 18K white gold, this watch has an incredible presence on the wrist.