Released in 1976 as Patek Philippe's response to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, an avant-garde luxury stainless steel sports watch borne from AP's necessity to survive the Quartz Crisis, the Nautilus was Patek Philippe's attempt to go head to head with AP's increasingly popular sports watch. Designed by Gerald Genta, the same man who had designed the Royal Oak, the Nautilus was inspired by a porthole and thus features a rounded-over octagonal bezel and hinge-like protrusions on either side of its case. Featuring its signature horizontally embossed dial and iconic integrated bracelet, the Nautilus has become the most sought-after watch in the market today as collectors clamor over examples thanks to its iconic design, extreme exclusivity, and impeccable craftsmanship.

Released in 2016 and taking the Patek Philippe Nautilus' design, exclusivity and demand to a whole new level, the Nautilus ref. 5976/1G celebrated the iconic timepiece's 40th anniversary in style. Limited to just 1300 pieces, the 5976/1G gives the Nautilus Chronograph ref. 5980 a tasteful makeover by swapping its 40.5mm stainless-steel construction for a 44mm diameter 18kt white gold one. Far more exclusive, expensive and luxurious than the ref. 5980, the 5976/1G elevates its stainless-steel sibling's standing as a sports watch into a wholeheartedly luxurious piece. Featuring a dial with a slightly brighter shade of blue and 10 baguette-cut diamond alongside 3 princess-cut indices, the 5976/1G stands out visually when compared to the stainless steel ref. 5980. In addition, its dial features the commemorative engraving "1976-40-2016" at 12 o’clock as a subtle nod to the Nautilus’ incredible 40 year-rich heritage as one of the most important timepieces to have ever been created. Powered by the automatic cal. CH 28-520 C and thus featuring the ref. 5980’s dial layout with its double-handed chronograph subdial at 6 o’clock and date aperture at 3 o’clock, the ref. 5976/1G packs a lot onto its stunning blue dial. Indeed, on the wrist, the ref. 5976/1G is a lot of watch on the wrist too, with its hefty 18kt white gold construction spanning 49.25mm at the widest points on its case when the Nautilus’ hinges are included. Offered in a cork box like that of the original Nautilus, the ref. 5976/1G tastefully nods back to its heritage while also furthering the Nautilus’ claim as one of the most luxurious sports watches on the market.

A large special edition of the Nautilus with the exclusivity, personality, and style to match the ref. 5976/1G has become a revered member of the Nautilus collection since its debut in 2016.