"The replacement for Ref. 5711 will be quite important. It will be better than Ref. 5711,' Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern told the New York Times this week.
Rumours are circulating strongly that the 5711/1A-010 will be replaced in Patek Philippe's main collection with two new references: the 6711/1T with a 41 mm titanium case and bracelet and a sunburst blue dial, and the 6711/1P, in platinum with a black dial. Stern comments: 'I won't say today in which metal or whether it will be in steel. It will be something else, very close, and logical'.
Disappointment for those on the 5711 waiting list, because they will not automatically be put on the list for the new model. "Some dealers only get two Nautiluses a year, but they have 100 names on their waiting list. It is their responsibility to explain this to the customer, but it is not easy when you have someone who insists on being on the list. You can't just blame Patek Philippe for not delivering enough watches,' Stern points out.
To make matters worse, the news that the new Nautilus will only be on sale in a handful of boutiques owned by the watchmaker: 'They will be our salons located in Geneva, Paris and London. It is not the perfect solution and it will be a nightmare for them. This is my suggestion at the moment, but we will listen to our store managers'.
On the decision to discontinue the 5711, Stern explained to the New York Times: 'We are doing this for our customers who already own a Patek Philippe and to protect our brand from becoming too commercial. I can continue to make this fantastic product, or sell 10 times as many. But I'm not working for the numbers. I am protecting the company for the future, for my children,' he insists. 'A watch should not be a leader on its own. It is too dangerous."
