One of the most Iconic watches the Patek Philippe Officially Discontinues the Nautilus Moonphase 5712A

Every February, like clockwork (pun very much intended), Patek Philippe decides to play a little game of “Let’s Break Some Hearts” by axing a few of its most beloved timepieces. It’s like Love Island, but with fewer fake tans and more stainless steel. This year, the Swiss luxury watchmaker has waved goodbye to some of its Nautilus models, leaving collectors in a state of mild panic and their wallets in a state of mild relief.

The Nautilus, Patek’s rockstar watch, is the James Bond of horology—iconic, timeless, and always in demand. So, when Patek announced the discontinuation of the Moonphase Ref. 5712/1A-001, along with a few other Nautilus variants, the watch world collectively gasped louder than a Brit spotting a tea shortage.

The Moonphase Ref. 5712/1A-001, which debuted in 2006 to celebrate the Nautilus’ 40th birthday, has been a fan favourite for years. But let’s be real, it’s had a bit of a dramatic life. Back in 2021, rumours of its discontinuation sent pre-owned prices skyrocketing faster than a London rent hike. Now that it’s officially been given the boot, expect eBay listings to look like a bidding war at Sotheby’s.

But wait, there’s more! Patek didn’t stop at the Nautilus. Oh no, they went full-on Game of Thrones and culled a few other big names too. The Aquanaut, Calatrava, Grand Complication, and Split-Seconds Chronograph all got the chop. Among the casualties are the Aquanaut Ref. 5167/1A-001 (RIP steel bracelet dreams), the Calatrava Travel Time Ref. 5524G (white gold and blue dial, gone but not forgotten), and the Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. 5370P-011 (a blue enamel dial so beautiful it hurts).

For watch enthusiasts, this is the equivalent of your favourite band breaking up or your local pub running out of Guinness. Devastating. But let’s be honest, Patek knows exactly what it’s doing. By discontinuing these models, they’re not just creating scarcity—they’re creating hysteria. And let’s face it, nothing gets the luxury crowd going like the words “limited edition” or “discontinued.”

So, what’s next? Well, Watches & Wonders is just around the corner, and you can bet your last quid that Patek will be unveiling some shiny new novelties to fill the void. Until then, keep your eyes on the pre-owned market, your wallet close, and your sense of humour intact. After all, in the world of luxury watches, the only thing more unpredictable than the prices is the weather in London. Cheers! 🍻