With the release of the reference 3700 in 1976, Patek Philippe created one of the best stainless steel luxury wristwatches available on the market and in the ensuing 45 years became an unmistakable icon. At the time of launch, Patek Philippe completely revolutionized the concept of a "sports watch" with its water resistant Nautilus case designed by the famed Gerald Genta. The watch was masculine and sporty in nature and could be worn in both casual settings as well as formal affairs.

Presented in 2006, reference 5980/1A was launched alongside its time-only sibling reference 5711. At the time of launch, it was a completely novel design as the Nautilus model had never incorporated a chronograph function before. While its dial retains the key elements of a Nautilus including a ribbed dial made available in blue or black for stainless steel examples, the indexes are further reminiscent of the indexes used in the refs. 5711 and 5712. Furthermore, to enhance its legibility the chronograph registers are combined as one forming what is dubbed as the “bull’s eye” counter. The reference was available in stainless steel with bracelet, 18K pink gold with a leather strap for early examples and the latest iteration in 18K pink gold with a matching bracelet. Stainless steel examples have been discontinued in 2014, and have been one of the most sought-after Patek Phlippe references since.

The present specimen Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980/1A-001 in stainless steel with a blue dial bearing a Geneva seal is dated from circa 2006, the very year of the launch is an early example amongst its kind. Extremely well-preserved the present example is further charmed with its Certificate of Origin and accessories.