Les Précision – Page 4

Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet/spare links information

PATEK PHILIPPE NAUTILUS Stainless steel bracelet for ref. 5711/1A, 5712/1A, 5980/1A and 5800/1A from 2006-2012.
Historic Background:

PATEK PHILIPPE revamped the Nautilus collection in 2006 as part of the 30th Anniversary celebration. 4 stainless models was introduced 5711/1A, 5712/1A, 5980/1A and 5800/1A. These modern Nautius come a three-part case, notably the case back is now integrated with sapphire crystal to display the movement. The ‘ears’ slightly changed with a subtle curvature for better overall harmonization with the bezel. The screw-down crown was slightly increased in size.

In 2012, Patek Philippe decided to change the Nautilus braclet system and obsolete the screws-type on links. In place is the rather disappointing, the pin-sercured links, which need to be hammered in. The new links type, definately simplier and easier to manufacture. Hence a rather weird decision that Patek Philippe took.

Collectors Reference:

Original Factory issue bracelet a full bracelet should have:5711/1A: 7 removal links5712/1A: 7 removal links5980/1A: 6 removal links5800/1A: 9 removal links

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PATEK PHILIPPE Aquanaut’s 20th Anniversary models: 5168G and 5650G Advance Research

Launch in 1997, Aquanaut is often viewed as the entry model for this premier watch manufacturer. This year, Patek Philippe presented 2 new Aquanauts commerating its 20th Anniversary, at Baselworld 2017.

1) Aquanaut Travel Time ref. 5650G “Advanced Research” – Patek Philippe’s pursuit of technology excellence. This the 5th watch in the Advanced Research series – the Travel Time, its compliant mechanism for setting the time zone.

The Advanced Research uses a mere 12 components for the second time zone mechanism; rather then 37 that of the original design. Essentially they do away with the various springs and levers, replacing them with a complex but flexible structure, which they called – the compliant mechanism. It improves reliability, while reduce time needed for assembly and refinement. This mechanism can be admire thru the cut out at the dial’s 7-11 o’clock. Cynically, it reminds me of the smashed up Arnold Schwarzenegger’s face in the classic movie: T2.

Available as a limited edition of 500 watches in white gold.
Les Précision’s Collectability Factor 7/10.

2) Aquanaut ref. 5168G – 5168G essentially is an enlarged version of the existing model 5167. A 42mm case in white gold with emboss blue dial. Perhaps Patek Philippe collectors can look forward to a 42mm stainless steel: 5168A as a possibility in the near future.

Les Précision’s Collectability Factor 4/10.

Rolex SPACE-DWELLER ref. 1016

The Swiss watchmaker well known partnership in legendary Mount Everest exploration of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The released the Rolex Explorer watch in 1953, in honor of this historic feat, had proved to be a commercial success. Come a decade later, space race was on and so happen in 1963, the astronauts of the Project Mercury spaceflight program embarked on a global goodwill tour with a stop in Japan. The enthusiasm shown by Japanese public is so convincing that Rolex decided to release a watch paying tribute to the explorers of a new frontier: “space explorers”.

However, in 1963 Rolex only released Space-Dweller in very limited quantities, perhaps testing the market response to it. Hence only released the Space-Dweller in Japan as a start. Since the Japanese public was so enthusiastic about the astronauts’ visit, they should be equally receptive to a Rolex watch that paid tribute to this group of professionals.

The Rolex Space-Dweller an Explorer ref. 1016 fitted with a different dial: “SPACE-DWELLER” instead of “EXPLORER” appeared on the dial. Sadly the Space-Dweller never really took off, and as stopped after a few short years; making it one of the rarest vintages around.