Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Moonphase in white gold

The 29th sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah wears a 40mm Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Moonphase in white gold featuring a ribbed blue dial and functions moon phase date, month, and perpetual calendar functions.

Bolkiah is also Minister of Brunei since the independence from the United Kingdom in 1984, and he is one of the last absolute monarchs in the world, having reigned since 1967.

About the Watch

The watch’s creator is one of the most recognizable features. Patek Philippe commissioned Gerald Genta. Gerald is a timepiece designer whose commissioned makings include the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Omega Constellation, IWC Ingenieur, and several launched on his brands like the Gerald Genta Grande Sonnerie and GG Retrograde. Gerald was also cast to design the aesthetic of the Patek watch that everyone wishes to acquire since he is clever and inventive.

The dial is instantly identifiable with its blue engraved horizontal lines and beautiful sunburst finishing. The index hour markings are composed of polished 18kt white gold and are coated with luminous materials for increased visibility in poor ambient circumstances. A white, neatly designed seconds track is also included.

The hour, as well as minute hands, are in the center, while the numerous sub-dials are largely for perpetual calendar features such as day date, month, leap year, day/night, and moon phase. Ultra-thin baton-style hands denote the sub-dial for the day of the month, like the other sub-dials. It is situated at the 6 o’clock point, where an embedded moonphase window with a black and white moon phase disc shares the same position.

There’s a sub-dial at 3 o’clock that performs two roles. The outside area shows the year’s month, while the inside section shows the leap year. A sub-register for the day of the week is positioned at the 9 o’clock position, with an AM/PM day/night sign in the center.

The watch comes in a special metal casing rather than a stainless steel casing. The 18kt white gold case and band are 40mm in diameter and have a brushed and polished finishing.

The bracelet’s central connecting links are somewhat curved and have a delicately brushed finish, whereas the surrounding links are perfectly polished. The white gold connected bracelet has a white gold push-button folding clasp and can fit up to an 8-inch wrist. The protective stickers extend from the grip behind the bracelet. They were purposefully left on to safeguard the finish.

The clasp comes in a polished finishing, and the Calatrava Cross is engraved in the central point, where both ends of the clasp meet when closed. The engraved Patek Philippe brand mark with the word GENEVE underneath is exposed when the clasp is unlocked.

Overall, Patek Philippe is among the premium watch make that most aspiring and successful men have on their bucket lists. Their timepieces can be seen in the hands of those in authority, those in control, and other persons of vast financial means, from state leaders to titans.

Price market: $400,000.00 USD
Watch reference: 5740/1G-001

Photo: Bunei Royal Family