Artisans de Genève is an independent company specialized in the personalization of timepieces. We are not affiliated with Patek Philippe SA nor authorized by them to intervene on their products for any reason whatsoever. This personalization was ordered by a customer, who owns a Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711 and wanted something different and special for his private use. This unique timepiece is an example of their know-how and the personalization services Artisans de Genève offers at their customers' request. In their vision, each timepiece is infused with the memories of its owner, crossing generations to weave a unique story. Their client, a collector, entrusted us with the almost inconceivable project of reinterpreting his timepiece as a skeleton. It took all the devotion of their artisans to bring this unprecedented project to life.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711 carries a long heritage, a testament to the refinement and talent of the Patek Philippe Manufacture, which they strived to live up to. Throughout this project, Artisans aimed to preserve the original Manufacturer’s codes, while instilling the timepiece with their own vision. Beveling, polishing, satin finishing, circular-graining, and even a forged carbon bezel were part of ‘The Pearl’ project. Each detail was carefully thought out and executed by their artisans all over Switzerland. A combination of arts and crafts carried out by enthusiasts serving a unique project. Meet ‘The Pearl’.

Turning ‘The Pearl Project’ over reveals a totally modified Patek Philippe calibre 26‑330 S C. The movement was skeletonized, beveled, satin polished, and given an anthracite treatment to make it ultra-sporty. The balance bridge was mirror-polished and the 21K gold rotor was skeletonized, beveled, and satin polished by hand. Additionally, the case back was engraved with ‘Pearl Project’ and the owners’ initials.

By replacing the original stainless steel bezel with a forged carbon bezel, this 5711 takes a unique identity and a look that is unparalleled. The dial was entirely skeletonized, then beveled by hand. It features a 12h/6h satin finishing endowed with a matte finish and 18K rose gold markers to enhance the subtle color contrast. Matching the markers on the dial, Artisans de Genève replaced the original hour/minute hands with 18K rose gold hands with satin finishing in the center. As far as the seconds’ hand goes, this one also in rose gold features sandblasted finishing. The case —except the bezel—, crown, and bracelet remained untouched.

In the words of the client that requested this unique customization:

“As watchmaking enthusiasts, we are, in my family, collectors from father to son. The Patek Philippe Nautilus model has taken on particular importance to us. It has been passed down through the generations, from my father’s first model 3700 to my 5711. When I contacted Artisans de Genève to submit this project, my dream was to be able to gaze at my timepiece’s heart beat, I did not know what could come out of it. We worked on it together for 3 years, and it was an outstanding adventure. The result exceeds my expectations; Artisans de Genève has achieved a technical and aesthetic feat. They have turned my piece into a real work of art, a gem.”

An incredible looking watch that we would love to see in the metal.

Sticker Price Undisclosed. For more info on Artisans de Genève click here.