Entrepreneur Ben Baller spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Ben Baller, founder of IF & Co. and one of the most recognisable names in celebrity jewellery, was recently spotted on the wrist with a Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph reference 5980/1R-001 in 18kt rose gold — one of the most coveted configurations in the entire Nautilus family.

The 5980/1R-001 launched in 2006 as a 30th-anniversary tribute to the original Nautilus, itself designed by Gerald Genta and introduced in 1976. The case measures 40.5mm in 18kt rose gold, retaining Genta's signature horizontally embossed dial and rounded octagonal bezel. Beneath the dial sits calibre CH 28-520 C, an in-house flyback chronograph movement with a column wheel, horizontal clutch, and a power reserve of approximately 45 to 55 hours. The salmon-toned dial with applied rose-gold indices is specific to the rose-gold reference, giving it a warmth that the steel 5980/1A does not replicate. The integrated rose-gold bracelet with its transverse-brushed links remains one of the most technically refined bracelets in haute horlogerie.

Among collectors, the 5980R occupies a singular position. It is the only flyback chronograph Patek Philippe offers on an integrated bracelet, and the rose-gold execution is produced in far smaller numbers than the steel variant. Auction results have consistently placed pristine examples well above retail, with some full-set references achieving significant premiums at Christie's and Phillips. The reference was discontinued in its original configuration before transitioning to the updated 5980 generation, which adds to its retrospective desirability.

Ben Baller's choice is consistent with his established taste for high-complication timepieces across Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and Rolex. As someone who custom-fabricates jewellery for athletes, musicians, and entertainers at the highest commercial tier, his personal watch selection carries genuine weight in both streetwear and luxury watch communities.

At UK retail the 5980/1R-001 carried an RRP of approximately £60,000, translating to roughly $75,000 USD at prevailing rates. On the grey market, demand for rose-gold Nautilus chronographs has kept prices firmly above list, with dealer-quoted examples regularly trading between $90,000 and $110,000 USD depending on condition and completeness of set.