Patek Philippe Tiffany Blue Nautilus
The most anticipated watch event of the season happened this weekend during the 2021 New York Watch Auction, at Phillips Auction House, in New York. During the highlight of that morning bidding, the Patek Philippe (Ref#: 5177/1A-018) Nautilus with a Tiffany & Co. blue dial, would end up being hammered off for a hefty sum of $5,350,000, which totaled $6,503,000.00 USD after summing up all the additional expenses. We must recall that the Patek 5711 will retire next year, making this uniquely colored release its final appearance.Since the pandemic began over two years ago, this watch auction hosted by Phillips in New York marked the first live watch event in their new space at 432 Park Avenue. The whole spectacle (which can be seen in the video below) only lasted precisely 14 minutes and 39 seconds. Bidding began at a below retail price-tag of a mere $20,000, but immediately reached its standard retail value of $50,000 and soon matched the previous record for a steel (Ref#: 5711) of $500,000.From there various bidders escalated the price into the millions and only began to slow down after reaching the four million mark. As prices crescendoed further into the millions these enhancing bids began to come from online sources, just as the final winning bid of $5,350,000.00 USD that came from a New York online bidder represented by paddle number 9252. 
After all the other costs, such as taxes and the auction house fee were added up the final total came to an astonishing amount of $6,503,000.00 USD, making it to date the 8th most expensive watch ever sold at an auction.
The 40mm case on this farewell Patek Philippe is made of stainless-steel with the traditional Nautilus design, we’ve all come to admire and respect. No doubt one of Gérald Genta’s most futuristic and timeless visions, worthy of all its praise.
On the flip-side is a sapphire exhibition case back that allows a view into the workings of the mechanical movement, which features an oscillating 21k gold rotor decorated with the Calatrava cross. While directly printed on the crystal is the inscription "170th ANNIVERSARY", as well as the corresponding time frame of "1851 - 2021". Water resistance on this watch can reach up to 120 meters (393 feet).
Time is exhibited on a Tiffany blue dial with the traditional “garage door” motif, which is the most commonly found design on the “Nautilus”. 
It includes baguette-cut hour index markers made of applied blackened gold, just like the central hands and thin seconds pointer. These elements have all been fitted with a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility. There is also a white date aperture at the 3 o’clock position, plus the "Tiffany & Co." inscription on the lower-half to highlight its luxurious partnership.
Since its announcement thoughts on this watch had been polarizing with some hailing it as a “must-have”, while others spoke about it as a “hype-watch”. One of the main reasons that might have also driven up the price was its US exclusivity.
All the other 169 models of this limited edition will be exclusively available at the Tiffany & Co. boutiques in New York, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills. 
But either way it served as a great PR stunt gaining a great deal of attention, plus all proceeds from this sale will benefit The Nature Conservancy, thus attributing the lump sum of 6,503,000.00 USD to a noble cause.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany-Blue
This “Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany-Blue” (Ref#: 5711/1A-018) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 26-330 SC, with 30 jewels, 212 components and 28,800 vph. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 45 hours, when fully wound. 
Mounted to the watch is a stainless-steel bracelet, secured by a double folding clasp. This is a limited edition of only 170 manufactured timepieces. For more up to date visit the official Patek Philippe website here.
MSRP: N/A
