Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1A Chronograph – The Ultimate Sporting Patek
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1A is a rare blend of sportiness, prestige, and horological mastery. As the first Nautilus chronograph and a milestone in Patek’s history, this stainless steel reference combines the brand’s legendary finishing with an in-house automatic chronograph movement. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a true investment-grade sports watch, the 5980 remains one of the most coveted Patek Philippe timepieces.
The Big Picture
Patek Philippe is renowned for elegant dress watches and grand complications, but the Nautilus stands apart as the maison’s iconic sports watch. The Nautilus 5980/1A was a bold step — pairing the flagship Nautilus design with the most popular sports complication, the chronograph. Introduced in 2006 to mark the model’s 30th anniversary, it signaled a more contemporary and muscular side of Patek Philippe.
A Brief History of the Nautilus
Launched in 1976 and designed by Gérald Genta, the Nautilus was Patek’s answer to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Its rounded octagonal bezel, horizontally embossed dial, and integrated bracelet made it a luxury sports watch icon. For decades, the Nautilus range stayed true to its refined-yet-sporty origins, with complications limited mainly to simple calendars and moonphases — until the 5980 changed the game.
The First Nautilus Chronograph
The Nautilus 5980/1A was the first time Patek Philippe integrated a chronograph into the Nautilus line. At its core is the in-house CH 28-520 movement — Patek’s first self-winding chronograph caliber designed and built entirely in Geneva. It features:
- Vertical clutch for smooth, wear-anytime chronograph use
- Column wheel for crisp pusher feel
- 55-hour power reserve
- Free-sprung balance for improved shock resistance
- Geneva Seal finishing visible through the sapphire caseback
Design & Wrist Presence
While officially 40.5mm, the Nautilus 5980/1A wears larger thanks to its substantial case thickness and integrated chronograph pushers. The design preserves Genta’s original “ears” while seamlessly incorporating the pushers. Its sunburst gradient blue dial transitions from deep navy to black, paired with a unique monocounter at 6 o’clock that displays both elapsed hours and minutes. This keeps the dial symmetrical and uncluttered.
Functions & Everyday Wear
The vertical clutch allows you to run the chronograph seconds hand continuously, effectively giving you a central running seconds indicator without harming the movement. Water resistance is rated at 120m, making it one of the few high-complication Pateks suitable for active wear.
Why Collectors Prize the 5980
Discontinued in stainless steel in 2013, the Nautilus 5980/1A has only grown in desirability. Its combination of rarity, design purity, and mechanical significance has cemented it as a future classic in the Nautilus lineage. Full sets — with box, papers, and accessories — command a premium in the secondary market and represent both a luxury lifestyle statement and a strong investment piece.
Who This Is For
This reference appeals to collectors who want a Patek Philippe with daily wearability, robust water resistance, and a bold sports watch presence — without sacrificing high horology finishing. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the Nautilus heritage but want added mechanical complexity.
Trust & Concierge
At The 1916 Company, each Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1A we offer is carefully inspected and authenticated. Our experts ensure condition quality, complete accessories, and originality, so you can invest with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Nautilus 5980 released? 2006, for the Nautilus’ 30th anniversary.
- What movement does it use? The in-house CH 28-520 automatic chronograph movement.
- Is the 5980 water resistant? Yes, to 120 meters.
- Why is it collectible? It was the first Nautilus chronograph, discontinued in steel in 2013, and combines rarity with technical significance.
- What size is the case? Officially 40.5mm, but it wears larger due to thickness and design.