Rubber B was the first company in the world to develop custom rubber watch straps exclusively for Rolex timepieces, and since then, the company has added several other prominent watchmakers to its product portfolio. Rubber B also creates custom rubber watch bands for watches produced by Panerai, Roger Dubuis, and Audemars Piguet. However, the focus of this particular article will not be on any of the watchmakers listed above, but an entirely different, albeit equally storied company – Patek Philippe – and more specifically, about their relationship with another well-known luxury retailer, Tiffany & Co.
Recently, watchmaker Patek Philippe made headlines when they announced that they were releasing the final entry in its very popular Nautilus Ref. 5711 line, and they decided to do so in a rather splashy way – by making a highly limited edition timepiece that commemorates their relationship with Tiffany & Co. To understand why this has become such a fast-traveling news story in the horological community, we’ll take a closer look at the history between these two companies, the way that Patek Phillipe chose to end this noted product line, as well as information on where one can purchase one of the watches.
What is the History of the Relationship Between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co.?
The history of the relationship between Patek Phillipe and Tiffany & Co. is a rather long one – in fact, it dates back 170 years, as the companies first began working together in 1851. At that time, Tiffany & Co. became the first authorized Patek Phillipe dealer in the United States. And while these kinds of partnerships are fairly commonplace in the business world now, at the time, it was extremely rare to see two brands choose to work together in this fashion.
The two companies have maintained a very amicable relationship since that initial deal was brokered, and it shows with regard to the special privileges that Patek Phillipe has granted Tiffany & Co. over the years. For example, Tiffany & Co. has been allowed to add its logo to the dial of Patek Phillipe watches that are sold in their stores, which is not something that they have allowed any other company who sells their watches to do as of this time.
How, and Why, Did Patek Phillipe Choose to End the Nautilus Ref. 5711 Line?
Because the Nautilus Ref. 5711 line is still very popular, any decision that was made to stop producing these watches was bound to provoke discord within the community, especially among particularly passionate Patek Phillipe collectors. Many in the community were surprised by this decision and did not understand why the company would choose to take such an action. However, recent statements by Patek Phillipe CEO Thierry Stern suggest that this move was a long time in the making, despite how surprising it might appear to those outside of the company.
According to Stern, he stated at a press conference regarding the launch of four new watches within the product line last spring that “I have no idea why the Nautilus became so famous, but it’s just one piece, and it should not affect Patek Philippe.” He then went on to state that the company was going to be limiting its production of stainless steel watches in the future, as he perceived their continuing popularity as being dangerous to the brand.
While it might be strange to think that producing one of the world’s most beloved watch lines would be harmful to a company’s brand on the surface, if one is familiar with other Patek Phillipe product lines, this decision starts to make more sense when it is carefully scrutinized. The company was not initially known for producing stainless steel watches – they are known for producing watches in precious metals, such as gold and platinum.
Legacy is a very complicated and continually pressing factor in the world of watchmaking, and for brands that are old enough to be considered “legacy” brands, such as Patek Phillipe, it stands to reason that their CEO would want to do everything within his power to protect the legacy of the brand that he has been the steward of for so long
Where Can You Purchase the Tiffany & Co. Patek Phillipe Nautilus 5711?
As one might have been able to infer by now, the best way to purchase one of these watches is directly through Tiffany & Co. However, it is worth noting at the outset that these watches will absolutely be difficult to procure and will remain collector’s items for years to come.
Patek Phillipe has only produced 170 of these timepieces, making them an extremely limited edition run, even by luxury timepiece standards. One of these watches was recently auctioned in New York, and it is likely that over the next several years, several more of them will come up for auction.
Eventually, these watches will make their way to the secondary market, but it is important to be vigilant when purchasing a watch through the grey market. The distinctive blue dial and Tiffany & Co. engraving at the bottom will likely be very difficult to reproduce, but that has never stopped counterfeiters before, and it is very likely that the popularity of this watch will inspire illegal reproductions to be crafted and sold rather quickly.
Are You in Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Patek Philippe Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
All of Rubber B’s watch straps are made from 100% vulcanized rubber and are crafted exclusively by experts in Switzerland. Orders are shipped out within 24 to 48 hours of receiving them, and Rubber B also offers shipping options to its international clientele as well.
If you would like more information about our product catalog, shipping policies, pricing, or have additional questions about Rubber B, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of our valued associates will be happy to promptly answer any inquiries that you might have about our products or policies in a timely manner.
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