The launch of Nautilus in 1976 provoked various responses, yet Patek Philippe believed in the enfant terrible.
The 50th anniversary is marked by limited editions as well as a thematic exhibition at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
The exhibition looks back to the 1970s, when gold dress watches became incompatible with people pursuing a dynamic lifestyle. Hence, Patek Philippe elevated rugged stainless steel as a material for a robust yet luxurious timepiece, whose case was neither round nor rectangular while the octagonal bezel featured softened corners.
