172 Patek Philippe Very Fine and Iconic, Nautilus, Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, With Travel Box, Reference 5980A

Estimate: €50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Model: Nautilus
Reference: 5980A
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 2007
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 28-520/522
Case N°: 4374532
Movement N°: 3665977
Dimensions: 43.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Travel Box

In 2006, Patek Philippe introduced the groundbreaking ref. 5980A, marking the debut of the Nautilus chronograph and Patek’s inaugural automatic chronograph. Featuring a case diameter of 43.5 mm, this timepiece has become one of Patek’s most iconic watches. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Nautilus reference 5980A in steel, unveiled in 2006, exhibits the distinctive rounded octagonal shape of the bezel, a case boasting ingenious porthole architecture, and a dial adorned with a horizontal relief pattern. The present watch is presented in impeccable conditions, showcasing the fusion of elegance and sportiness that defines this extraordinary iteration of the reference 5980. Complementing the sophisticated steel case is an alluring ribbed dial, featuring a subsidiary dial positioned at 6 o’clock, introducing a subtle contrast that enhances the watch’s overall charm. The flyback chronograph caliber 28–520 C within the timepiece is remarkably slim, with a thickness of just 6.63 mm. This slim profile is attributed to its straightforward chronograph construction, excluding a running seconds counter. In lieu of a running seconds counter, the design incorporates a single elapsed minute counter with a co-axial 12-hour scale positioned at six o’clock. This innovative configuration integrates the fourth wheel in the vertical clutch assembly at the center. The absence of a running seconds counter eliminates the need for additional gears to relocate the seconds to a sub-dial. This gear train setup optimally realizes the advantages of a vertical coupling system, ensuring the chronograph functions optimally with minimal impact on amplitude. The clutch and chronograph seconds wheel seamlessly fit into the power flow of the gear train, making it especially suited for the distinctive dial design. This thoughtful engineering not only enables the use of the chronograph seconds as an active running seconds with no amplitude loss but also minimizes wear as both the fourth wheel and chronograph seconds wheel rotate in synchronized harmony.