EDITOR’S NOTE: Reflecting on happier times, when you could go on a waiting list for a 5711, and actually get “the call”

Andrew McUtchen

Editor’s note: If you can get one at retail the green dial Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/014 would set you back $34,893 USD. But that’s one extremely big “if”. Consequently, people are willing to pay crazy prizes for what is still a watch that only came out this year. Recently, for example, a Nautilus 5711/014  sold on Eric Ku’s Loupe This watch auction site for $369,000 USD. While in July, a brand-new model sold at the Antiquorum auction in Monaco for $490,000 USD. But there was time when the system worked. When you put your name down on the waiting list and got “the call”. We thought we’d revisit it on the site. These days may be gone, and the prices on the 5711 rising like the level of this cup tea in a post by @hautetime, but here’s the proof they did once exist…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Time+Tide (@timetidewatches)

In the this video for ‘Every Watch Tells A Story’ — in which we ask people to choose a watch in their collection with a memorable backstory — Tom explains how he came to be the proud owner of a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, a watch that has had arguably more attention in the last few months than ever before in its colourful 42-year history. How can I rattle that fact off so easily? Because we are the same age. I could only dream of ageing as well.

Without stealing Tom’s thunder, this is a familiar and, for many, frustrating tale. You are asked by one of your friendly watch dealers, ‘Which watch would you most desire?’ To be met with laughter these days is probably not uncommon. Though Tom’s final result may have many reconsidering their long game, and gritting their teeth, though the months and years may seem to stretch away. If you actually make it onto a list, that is.

I gently tapped the man on the shoulder and said, ‘Listen, sorry mate, from one bloke to another, I couldn’t help but look at your wrist.’ He gave me a gentle smile and said, ‘Have a look at it.’

If you have a story that you’d like to share, please email us at: [email protected]