Watchlords

Early this evening, California watch collector Zach Lu posted an unboxing video on his Instagram (@zachattack__25) about a piece he had just acquired. That in itself wouldn't be surprising to the nearly 35,000 people that follow him – he frequently updates the world on his latest acquisitions.

But the video that followed had a pair of unexpected guests: Paul Boutros, the Head of Americas and Senior Vice President for Phillips Watches (as well as an ex-HODINKEE contributor) and the world's most infamous watch right now – the Tiffany-Blue Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 that sold, with all proceeds going toward charity, at the Phillips 2021 New York Watch Auction in December.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/myste ... t-phillips

I want one. .. .

While there are any number of Patek references I would sell a lung to be able to buy, I never got the frenzy over the Nautilus. The only 5711 that I'd like to find is the first one ever made in 2006 so I could trade it to the Patek Museum for a platinum Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar - Moonphase. The 5270P-001 would do nicely.

IIRC, Mr. Stern was quoted in the NYT as saying that Patek only made enough Nautili to satisfy about 10% of the demand for their iconic sport watch; this must have led to a great deal of dissatisfaction amongst those who managed to qualify for a spot on the 8 year long waiting list when the 5711 was discontinued.

Perhaps those left in the lurch will be placed on a consolation list in the order in which they were forsaken to wait for the 5711's replacement.