Patek Philippe Nautilus en Or
In terms of shape and size, the new gold Nautilus models are exactly the same as the steel version, with a diameter of 43 mm, 1 mm larger than the 1976 original. This enlargement is not associated with the trend toward more dominant watches but has to do with the lateral hinge extensions that were broadened by half a millimeter to accommodate a softer curvature. And like the new stainless steel model, the gold versions also have three-part cases, a screwed back with a sapphire-crystal window... more
18 avril 2007
Haute joaillerie meets… The case of the new Ref. 5971 is a masterpiece in itself and a showcase of the jeweler’s art. Crafted completely from 950 platinum, it challenges casemakers considerably more than a gold or steel counterpart. In keeping with its cool hue, platinum is not easy to work: it resists punching, milling, drilling and polishing. It takes twice as long to machine and punishes tools much more than gold. The reward is a case of impressive weight and inimitable color. The Ref. 5971 is endowed not only with a small diamond between the lugs at 6 o’clock (like all current Patek Philippe models with platinum cases)... 
But there are more facets that make this watch a paragon of refined timepiece design. Its flanks are decorated with a reliefed, braided tress pattern that will make every woman’s heart skip a beat. The Ref. 4949 wouldn’t be a Patek Philippe watch if there were not something very special about this decorative braiding. The remarkable art of casemaking The amazing braided pattern is not engraved or milled into the finished case. Instead, it is embossed into the flanks during the cold-forming process that converts a solid block of white gold into a stunning case... 
