This replica Nautilus 59801A gold puts the flyback chronograph complication into a stainless steel case at 40.5mm, making it the more accessible counterpart to the rose gold 5980/1R. The 5980/1A reference introduced the first chronograph-equipped Nautilus when it launched, and it remains one of the few references in the lineup with subdials breaking the clean dial symmetry. Steel construction keeps the weight balanced for daily wear despite the larger 40.5mm diameter, and the gold-tone dial adds warmth that contrasts with the cool metal of the case and bracelet. Two chronograph registers sit at 6 and 12 o’clock, framed by the horizontal embossing that runs across the entire dial surface.

Case & Movement Specs

• Case diameter: 40.5mm
• Case material: stainless steel
• Dial: gold-tone with horizontal embossed texture and chronograph subdials
• Crystal: sapphire
• Bracelet: integrated stainless steel
• Movement: automatic flyback chronograph
• Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, flyback chronograph

The 40.5mm case is thicker than the time-only Nautilus models due to the chronograph works inside. Pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock operate the start/stop and flyback reset functions with short, positive strokes.

Caliber Performance

Flyback chronographs require a more sophisticated gear train than standard chronographs. The mechanism allows resetting and restarting the timing function in one motion, a feature originally developed for pilots who needed rapid successive timing intervals. This complication operates through the pusher at 4 o’clock without affecting the running seconds hand. Steel 5980 references carry a different wrist presence than the 58111G white gold time-only version, trading simplicity for mechanical ambition. See all available chronograph and time-only options in the Nautilus collection.

How It Compares

Within the Nautilus family, the 5980/1A is the only steel flyback chronograph. Every other steel reference focuses on time-only or calendar complications, making this model unique in function and dial layout. The gold-tone dial on a steel case also creates a two-tone visual effect without using actual mixed metals. At 40.5mm with a chronograph and that distinctive Nautilus silhouette, this replica Nautilus 59801A gold stands alone in its category.