Okay, let’s talk about this journey of remaking the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, original order. Man, this whole thing started because I’ve always been a watch guy. And the Nautilus? That’s like the holy grail, right? But with the original 5711 being discontinued and the waitlist for any Patek Philippe being crazy long – like, 8 years for a Nautilus – I figured I’d take matters into my own hands.
So, the first thing I did was dive deep into research. I mean, days of just reading forums, watching videos, comparing pictures, you name it. I learned that the 5711 was the second generation of the “Jumbo” Nautilus, produced from 2006 until it got axed in 2021. And the 5712? That’s a step up, with a micro-rotor, power reserve indicator, and a moonphase. Fancy stuff. There’s even a new one now, the 5811/1G, made from white gold and it has a blue dial. And a unique one, with a hand-engraved case featuring Maori motifs, a charcoal grey dial, 5711/1500A.
I found out that there are a couple of factories out there, like PPF and 3KF, that are really going at it, trying to make the best 5711 remake. That’s where I started getting my hands dirty. I started reaching out to some sellers, you know, the ones that other people had recommended in the forums and stuff. It was a bit of a gamble, but I finally settled on one that seemed legit. And you know what? It was not bad!
Comparing and Picking
Next up was picking the right factory. I spent hours comparing pictures and reviews of the PPF and 3KF versions. It was tough! They both had their pros and cons. One had a slightly better dial, the other had a more accurate case shape. Back and forth I went. It was driving me nuts!
The Waiting Game
After I finally pulled the trigger and placed the order, the wait began. Let me tell you, those weeks felt like forever! I was constantly checking my email, tracking the shipment, hoping it wouldn’t get stuck somewhere or seized. It was a real nail-biter.
The Unboxing
Finally, the day arrived. The package was here! I ripped it open like a kid on Christmas morning. And there it was. My remake 5711. Honestly, I was blown away.
- The weight felt good, substantial, just like I imagined the real deal would feel.
- The dial, especially in the sunlight, was pretty damn impressive.
- The bracelet, man, it was smooth, comfortable, and the way it caught the light… just wow.
Of course, it’s not perfect. No remake ever is. I spent a good amount of time with a loupe, really examining every detail. There were a few tiny, tiny things that a real expert might spot, but for me? I was thrilled. I’m wearing it almost every day, and it’s such a great conversation starter.
Conclusion
So, that’s my story of remaking the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. It was a fun ride, a bit stressful at times, but totally worth it. I learned a ton, met some interesting people along the way, and ended up with a watch I’m really proud to wear. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! Just do your research, be patient, and enjoy the process.
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