Will the New Nautilus Repeat the History?

The year 2006 became a fruitful year for Patek Philippe: the company has produced and sold many watches. However this year has also brought many novelties from Patek Philippe's watchmakers and technicians. Recently they have announced the 'upgrade' of its Nautilus Collection.

This collection appeared back in 1976, but it did not become a true hit, like the Calatrava collection. It was of course popular, but only the true fans of Patek have appreciated the look and functionality of this watch. However despite the unfortunate history today the old Nautiluses are being bought at auctions and are difficult to find.

In 2006 Patek Philippe has presented an addition of 5 brand new almost 'concept' watches to this collection. The skeptics have received this news not with much delight, as they thought that the new watches would have the same starting destiny as their predecessors.

The five new watches have various functions or other characteristic features, though what they have all in common is their unique stainless steel bracelet. This bracelet actually makes this timepiece to what it is - a sport watch.

Four of the watches have a distinctive blue dial with a stainless steel bracelet. One model in this series is performed in a monochromatic tone, i.e. a black leather strap, gray dial and stainless steel case. Another common characteristic feature is their self-winding movement, which power the new timepieces.

As for the functions these watches have - they depend on the model. Two watches are quite simple, with just a date display at 3 o'clock and of course the time display. Two watches are more complicated: they have an additional small seconds sub dial at 4 o'clock, a date sub dial with an integrated moon-phase display at 7 o'clock and a 48 hours power reserve dial at 11 o'clock position. The last model in this series is equipped with a chronograph, though with a specific one: the chronograph sub dial at 6 o'clock combines both the minutes' and the 12 hours' counters in one. The central sweeping hand has the function of chronograph function.

The Nautilus Chronograph and the simple Nautilus are 120 meters water resistant, whereas the Nautilus with moon-phase display - only 60 meters, because of to the pushpieces positioned at the sides of the case.

This way Patek Philippe has improved their 1976 year model, making it a sporty yet elegant watch. It is not likely that the new watches will repeat the history of the old model, but will become a hit right after hitting the market.