The future of the Nautilus: PM only?

[WWC]

Not to stir the pot any more than how the market has dictated lately, but hearing all these speculations of Rolex and PP moving towards the precious metals (PM) models, thus creating a niche market, one cannot avoid thinking this is what Patek is leaning towards as they go forward.

Beginning signs with the 5711 in steel being discontinued, I'm very inclined to see that in the future, not so distant I believe that what awaits us is a Nautilus line with PM models only, moving away from the SS material which has converted the brand into something Thierry Stern does not want to.

Without mentioning other brands, I could understand why Patek Philippe does not want to be seen as a one trick pony and this is just one of the first steps towards shifting the focus away from the Nautilus steel craze. Another school of thought would argue this by stating that the whole point of a "Sports" model line such as the Nautilus is to keep the steel production of their models as opposed to limiting them to PM. If they were to only have PM watches, then what difference would it be than say comparing it to the Calatrava line which only makes PM watches with the exception of the new 5212.

Baby steps, but distinguishing one's own brand from others in the market.

just my 2 cents

[Ichiran]

We will know the answer to the "5711 replacement" on 7 April

[Russell996]

In a word, NO!

There always needs to be base priced SS models in the Patek line up (this is to fill the role of getting new customers into the brand and to give AD's a reasonably priced product to sell - I know that aim has been highjacked in recent years), this is currently the Aquanaut and Nautilus lines. If you remove the Nautilus you simply push all the demand to the Aqaunaut, what does that achieve? Patek currently places no limit on PM pieces as a % of production so will of course always make PM versions of the Aquanaut and Nautilus, it might even decide to introduce new models in PM first although I would personally be surprised since the Nautilus should be and always has been an SS model first and foremost.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

We will know the answer to the "5711 replacement" on 7 April

Not sure I missed sth but I expect them to release the limited farewell edition of the 5711 itself come April. It may be quite a while until they launch the "5711 replacement".

[cascavel]

My bet is that Patek cancelled the 5711a in order to reissue as a PM model and capture more of the grey market premium (white gold for $110 MSRP). I believe they will still sell stainless Calatravas as limited edition pieces or with complications at elevated price points. The Aquanaut will continue to be produced but in more limited supply with the price gradually ratcheted up towards $30K.

[jfriedkin]

As a vintage collector, a SS model of any Patek is very special, and very rare. The SS models Patek produced 50-70 years ago were very expensive then (nearly the cost of a 18k model) as they are now (more expensive than their 18k counterpart). Not only does Patek not want to be a "one trick pony" they also do NOT want to be known as a producer of SS watches. Patek wants to be the manufacture of the highest quality wristwatches in the world and for the most part that means PM.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by Russell996

There always needs to be base priced SS models in the Patek line up (this is to fill the role of getting new customers into the brand and to give AD's a reasonably priced product to sell - I know that aim has been highjacked in recent years), this is currently the Aquanaut and Nautilus lines. If you remove the Nautilus you simply push all the demand to the Aqaunaut, what does that achieve? Patek currently places no limit on PM pieces as a % of production so will of course always make PM versions of the Aquanaut and Nautilus, it might even decide to introduce new models in PM first although I would personally be surprised since the Nautilus should be and always has been an SS model first and foremost.

You are absolutely right about the hijack and my thought is that Nautilus and Aquanaut are now serving as "reward" pieces for customers who purchased enough complicated dress pieces (or at least that is the practice by most Patek AD presently). The original intent to attract new and younger customers was somewhat lost in that regard. The way thing is developing, these SS pieces are becoming ever harder to get due to their spike in values and it does not serve their purpose now.

Originally Posted by ts3

Not sure I missed sth but I expect them to release the limited farewell edition of the 5711 itself come April. It may be quite a while until they launch the "5711 replacement".

There is a bit of vagueness in terms of the release timing of the limited edition and the new replacement 5711. Thierry was not specific on that front, but once we reach 7 April, we will know 1 way or another.

[Acquisition40]

I would like to see Patek move the emphasis of Nautilus and Aquanaut lines to PM and the Calatrava line to SS.

[2nastie]

With the success of many micro-brands/independents, it is the perfect time for Patek to transition back to all PMs and concentrate on further improving their watchmaking. It doesn't really appear many people have problems paying big bucks for watches nowadays.

Throw in a few limited SS pieces here and there and they'll be fine.

Especially with Patek, they don't need their sport pieces to be in SS.