patek philippe discontinued 2020 | Patek Philippe to Discontinue Its Most Desirable

The horological world held its breath, anticipation hanging thick in the air. Rumors had been swirling for months, whispers of the inevitable reaching fever pitch in online forums and collector circles. And then, the confirmation arrived. In 2020, Patek Philippe, the venerable Genevan manufacture, officially announced the discontinuation of its iconic, sought-after, and arguably most desirable steel sports watch: the Nautilus ref. 5711.

The news, while expected by many, sent shockwaves throughout the luxury watch market. The Nautilus 5711, with its distinctive porthole-inspired case, elegant integrated bracelet, and understated dial, had become a symbol of status, a testament to discerning taste, and a horological holy grail for collectors worldwide. Its discontinuation marked not just the end of a model, but the close of a chapter in Patek Philippe's history and the broader narrative of luxury watchmaking.

This article delves into the details surrounding the discontinuation of the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711 in 2020, exploring the reasons behind the decision, the impact on the market, and the legacy of this iconic timepiece. We will also examine other Patek Philippe models that faced the axe in 2020, providing a comprehensive rundown of discontinued models.

The Inevitable Announcement: Patek Philippe Ref. 5711 Nautilus Is Officially Gone

The Nautilus 5711's journey to discontinuation was a well-documented one. The watch's immense popularity, fueled by scarcity and the increasing demand for luxury sports watches, had created a perfect storm. Waitlists stretched for years, secondary market prices soared to multiples of the retail price, and the watch became a symbol of both achievement and the excesses of the luxury market.

Patek Philippe's then-President, Thierry Stern, had hinted at the discontinuation for some time, citing concerns about the watch's dominance within the brand's portfolio and the unhealthy market dynamics it had created. He expressed a desire to refocus attention on other models and to maintain a more balanced and sustainable approach to production.

Therefore, when the official announcement finally came in 2020, it was met with a mixture of resignation and understanding. While collectors lamented the loss of a beloved icon, many recognized the need for Patek Philippe to take control of its brand image and prevent the Nautilus 5711 from becoming a purely speculative asset.

Here's Our Exclusive Rundown Of All Discontinued Patek Philippe Models in 2020

While the discontinuation of the Nautilus 5711 garnered the most attention, it wasn't the only casualty of Patek Philippe's model rationalization efforts in 2020. The brand also retired several other references across its various collections, signaling a broader strategy of streamlining its product line and focusing on key models.

Here's a rundown of some of the other notable Patek Philippe models discontinued in 2020:

* Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 (Steel with Blue Dial): This is the iconic model that everyone associates with the discontinuation. It's the steel Nautilus with the horizontally embossed blue dial, the quintessential expression of the 5711.

* Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-011 (Steel with White Dial): While less ubiquitous than the blue dial version, the white dial variant of the 5711 was also discontinued. It offered a cleaner, more understated aesthetic.patek philippe discontinued 2020

* Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A-001 (Moonphase, Date, Power Reserve): This complicated Nautilus, featuring a moon phase, date, and power reserve indicator, was also retired. It offered a more sophisticated and technically interesting alternative to the time-only 5711.

* Various Complications and Grand Complications Models: While the specific references are too numerous to list exhaustively, Patek Philippe often discontinues older models within its Complications and Grand Complications collections to make way for newer innovations and designs. These discontinuations are less widely publicized than the Nautilus 5711, but they are an integral part of the brand's product lifecycle.

It's important to note that Patek Philippe frequently updates its collections, discontinuing older models and introducing new ones. This process is essential for maintaining the brand's relevance and ensuring that its product line reflects the latest technological advancements and design trends.

Partly: The Reasons Behind the Discontinuation

The decision to discontinue the Nautilus 5711 was multifaceted, driven by a combination of business considerations, brand management concerns, and a desire to maintain the long-term value and exclusivity of Patek Philippe timepieces.

Here are some of the key factors that contributed to the discontinuation: