Patek Philippe Nautilus Ladies Steel — Diamond Bezel Grey Opaline Dial | Ref. 7118/1200A-011

The reference 7118/1200A-011 brings together the sportif language of the Nautilus with the refined sensibility of ladies' watchmaking in a configuration that is at once bold and understated. The 35.2 mm stainless steel case — sized for the feminine wrist but substantial enough to carry the Nautilus's characteristic presence — is topped with a bezel set with diamonds, their brilliance providing a counterpoint to the brushed and polished steel of the case flanks. A transparent case back offers a view of the automatic movement within, rewarding those who think to turn the watch over.

The grey opaline dial — rendered across the Nautilus's embossed horizontal relief — is one of the collection's most timeless choices. It possesses the quality of changing character with the light: warm silver in morning sun, cool graphite under artificial illumination. Index and Arabic numerals mark the hours in a combination that is both legible and architecturally interesting, while the screw-down crown and Nautilus fold-over clasp on the steel bracelet speak to a watch built for the rigours of daily life, with water resistance rated to 60 metres.

Presented with box and papers, this example is offered in call-for-enquiry condition — a formality that befits a watch of this desirability. Since Patek Philippe discontinued the steel Nautilus references from the regular catalogue, demand for examples like the 7118/1200A-011 has grown considerably among collectors who understand that the confluence of diamonds, steel, and Patek provenance is a combination time will only make more compelling.