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Footballer Dušan Tadić spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Dušan Tadić, Serbia's most-capped active footballer and longtime captain of AFC Ajax in Amsterdam, was recently spotted wearing one of Patek Philippe's most technically formidable sports watches: the Nautilus 5980/1R-001 in 18k rose gold. The sighting puts a genuinely collector-grade reference on the wrist of one of European football's most decorated midfielders.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R-001 represents the pinnacle of the Nautilus chronograph line. Powered by caliber CH 28-520 C — a manufacture movement featuring a column wheel, horizontal clutch, and flyback function — the watch delivers a level of chronograph engineering that most Swiss houses cannot match at any price. The movement beats at 28,800 vph and offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The 40.5mm rose gold case, with its signature porthole-shaped octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, frames a chocolate-toned dial with horizontal embossing, applied rose gold indices, and a date window at 4:30. Water resistance is rated to 120 meters.

Within the collector community, the 5980/1R-001 occupies rare ground. The Nautilus 5980 series — launched in 2006 to celebrate the Nautilus's 30th anniversary — combined the sporting DNA of ref. 3700 with a genuine flyback chronograph, a combination that remains difficult to source. The rose gold variant specifically commands a persistent premium on secondary markets, driven by limited production volumes and the gravitational pull of the broader Nautilus mythology. Waiting lists at authorized dealers are effectively closed.

Tadić's career credentials add appropriate weight to the choice. With over 60 caps for Serbia since his 2008 international debut, including a starting role at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and a Champions League semifinal run with Ajax in 2019 that captivated Europe, he has operated at the highest level of the game for the better part of two decades. The Nautilus 5980/1R-001 — serious, understated, technically elite — suits that profile.

At an official wire price of $153,450 USD, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R-001 is already a substantial investment. On the grey market, demand consistently pushes values well above retail, with recent transactions placing the reference meaningfully higher. For collectors, availability remains the primary obstacle.