Patek Philippe Nautilus 50th Anniversary: Three Limited Editions and a Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Celebrates the Nautilus 50th Anniversary with Stunning Limited Editions
In April 2026, Patek Philippe marked the 50th anniversary of its iconic Nautilus collection with the release of three limited-edition wristwatches and an unexpected Nautilus pocket watch. The anniversary pieces pay tribute to the essence of the model, featuring ultra-thin cases powered by the legendary micro-rotor calibre 240.
The Legacy of the Nautilus
Launched in 1976, the Nautilus was Gérald Genta's second great icon of the 1970s, alongside the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. It redefined luxury and sporty elegance by embracing steel as its canvas, pairing robust utility with uncompromising style. The bold, integrated bracelet and instantly recognisable porthole-inspired case disrupted conventions and established the integrated sports watch as a new category of high horology.
Three Wristwatches: Distilling the Essence
To celebrate the half-century milestone, Patek Philippe released three time-only Nautilus models (no date, no seconds) in ultra-thin cases housing the iconic micro-rotor 240 calibre, first introduced in 1977.
| Reference | Material | Size | Bracelet | Edition | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5810/1G-001 | White Gold | 41mm x 6.9mm | White Gold Bracelet | 2,000 pieces | CHF 75,000 |
| 5810G-001 | White Gold | 41mm x 6.9mm | Blue Composite Strap | 1,000 pieces | CHF 60,000 |
| 5610/1P-001 | Platinum | 38mm x 6.9mm | Platinum Bracelet | 2,000 pieces | CHF 90,000 |
The two white gold references (5810/1G-001 and 5810G-001) feature the iconic blue, horizontally embossed dial. The 5810G-001 adds baguette-diamond hour markers for extra sparkle. The platinum 5610/1P-001 offers a more compact 38mm case, appealing to collectors who prefer smaller watches. All three feature the micro-rotor engraved with "50 1976 – 2026."
The Nautilus Pocket Watch: A First
Perhaps the most surprising piece is the first-ever Nautilus pocket watch, reference 958G-001. Presented in a 50.65mm white gold case, it retains the iconic porthole design but adapts it for pocket carry. The blue embossed dial features baguette-diamond hour markers, and the case back displays a gold Calatrava cross appliqué.
Powered by the hand-wound calibre 31-505 8J PS IRM CI J with an impressive 8-day power reserve, it displays hours, minutes, date, day of the week, small seconds, and power reserve. Limited to just 100 pieces at CHF 205,000, it can even be converted into a desk clock.
Delivery and Packaging
All three wristwatches are delivered in a cool cork box, paying homage to the original packaging of the first Nautilus ref. 3700. The water resistance across the range is 30m, aligned with Patek Philippe's unified water resistance standards introduced in early 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Nautilus first introduced? The Nautilus was launched in 1976, designed by the legendary Gérald Genta.
- What movement powers the 50th anniversary editions? All three wristwatches use the iconic micro-rotor calibre 240, first introduced in 1977.
- How many Nautilus pocket watches were made? Only 100 pieces of the reference 958G-001 pocket watch were produced.
According to Monochrome Watches, these anniversary pieces represent Patek Philippe's commitment to distilling the essence of its most iconic collections.
For more information on Patek Philippe watchmaking, explore our comprehensive guide to watch movements or read about the history of luxury sports watches.