Presented in 2006, reference 5980/1 was launched alongside its time-only sibling, the reference 5711, as the first-ever Nautilus model to bear a chronograph complication. Surprising at first, it has since become a wildly successful reference, sought by collectors the world over. Powering the 5980 was Patek Philippe’s first 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 rarity and desirability of this particular reference 5980 is found on the dial: the prestigious and elusive Tiffany & Co. signature. The enduring partnership between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. has resulted in some of the most coveted timepieces of the modern era. The earliest piece known from Patek Philippe to be sold through Tiffany & Co. was delivered on December 31st, 1852, a hunter case pendant watch with blue enamel guilloché and diamond stars on the front and back covers. Since the 1990s, Tiffany & Co. remains the only retailer that is still permitted to stamp their logo on the dial of Patek Philippe watches.

The present Tiffany-signed example of the 5980 in stainless steel comes with all of its original accessories, including papers stamped from the Tiffany salon. It is presented in excellent, crisp condition and is an early example bearing the Geneva Seal, rather than the later-introduced Patek Philippe Seal on the movement. It is fresh to the auction market and one of the most sought-after watches on the market to date.