When Patek Philippe reintroduced the Nautilus in 2006 for the 30th anniversary of the model, they unveiled multiple complicated models alongside the new time-only reference 5711 (heir apparent to the original 3700). This would include the launch of the reference 5712 with date, power reserve, and moonphase, and the ground-breaking chronograph, reference 5980. While the complications of the 5712 had been seen before in the short-lived 3712, the reference 5980 was the frst Nautilus ever ofered with a chronograph function. Powering the 5980 was Patek Philippe’s frst in-house, self-winding chronograph, the caliber CH 28-520. To simplify the layout of the dial, Patek chose to combine all of the chronograph functions into one co-axial subdial for elapsed minutes and hours, similar to the annual calendar ref. 5960, an innovative and unusual time display for the manufacture.

The reference 5980 in stainless steel has been discontinued and is now available only in 18K pink gold or two-tone stainless steel and pink gold. In 2014, it was replaced by the reference 5990, a Nautilus with chronograph and second time zone display, the same complications found in the Aquanaut Travel Time reference 5164. The present 5980 is, as a result, highly sought afer - a casual weekend warrior with a touch of elegance sure to fnd wrist time in any collection.