This replica nautilus 59801A 40mm houses a flyback chronograph inside the 5980/1A-001 reference, combining sport watch proportions with serious complication depth. Patek Philippe built the 5980 on the same rounded-octagon case that Gerald Genta penned in 1976, but added pushers at two and four o’clock for chronograph operation. The 40mm stainless steel case gains noticeable thickness over the time-only 5711 to accommodate the chronograph movement stack, giving this Nautilus a more substantial wrist presence.

Key Specifications

• Case diameter: 40mm
• Case material: stainless steel
• Dial: horizontal embossing with chronograph subdials
• Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Functions: flyback chronograph, date, hours, minutes, seconds
• Movement: automatic chronograph, CH 28-520 C
• Bracelet: integrated stainless steel with fold-over clasp

The flyback mechanism allows instant chronograph reset and restart with a single pusher press. In practical use, that means timing consecutive laps or events without the three-step stop-reset-start sequence that conventional chronographs require.

Design & Finishing

Adding chronograph pushers to the Nautilus case required careful redesign to maintain the silhouette Genta established. The pushers sit flush enough to preserve the case outline while remaining accessible by thumb. The horizontal embossing continues across the chronograph subdials, keeping visual consistency with the time-only Nautilus models. Patek Philippe positions the date window between four and five o’clock rather than at three, avoiding conflict with the upper pusher. For a moon phase and power reserve alternative, the 5712/1A with moon phases adds different complications in the same Nautilus case. Both models belong to the Nautilus collection, offering distinct complication approaches at identical case widths.

On the Wrist

The 5980/1A-001 wears thicker than the 5711 due to the chronograph caliber, and that added height is the trade-off for flyback functionality. On a steel bracelet, the integrated links flow from case to clasp without interruption, maintaining the seamless look that defines Nautilus design. The chronograph adds a layer of interaction that time-only references do not provide, making the 5980 a more engaging daily wear option for anyone who values mechanical complexity. This replica nautilus 59801A 40mm delivers that flyback capability inside the most recognizable sport watch case in the Patek Philippe range.