Watch Paparazzi

Mixed martial artist Conor McGregor spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Conor McGregor was recently photographed sporting the Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph in its two-tone stainless steel and rose gold configuration, reference 5980/1AR-001 — a watch that sits at the intersection of haute horology and serious sports-watch credibility. For a figure who has built his brand on controlled extravagance, the choice is characteristically deliberate.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 was introduced in 2006 to mark the 30th anniversary of the original Nautilus line, designed by Gérald Genta and launched in 1976. The 5980 brought something the core Nautilus collection had never offered: a fully integrated flyback chronograph. The reference 5980/1AR-001 measures 40.5mm and runs on caliber CH 28-520 C, a lateral-clutch column-wheel movement with flyback function, 65-hour power reserve, and a micro-rotor — a genuine engineering achievement packed into just 7.65mm of case height. The blue dial with horizontal embossed stripes and applied rose gold indices is a masterclass in Patek's restrained design language.

Among collectors, the 5980 family occupies a peculiar status: universally respected but often overshadowed by the simpler three-hander 5711 and 5726 in conversation. That has changed sharply in recent years. The 5980/1AR-001 two-tone variant is considered one of the more wearable and versatile executions of the reference, pairing casual settings with formal ones without effort — exactly the kind of horological utility a globe-trotting athlete-entrepreneur demands.

McGregor has a well-documented affinity for high-complications and statement timepieces, frequently cycling through Richard Mille and Rolex on public appearances. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1AR-001 represents something slightly different in his rotation — a watch that communicates connoisseurship rather than pure spectacle. It signals familiarity with the deeper end of the market.

On the secondary market, the Nautilus 5980/1AR-001 commands a substantial premium over its official list price, which sits at approximately £50,000 in the UK. Grey-market demand for the 5980 series remains strong, with two-tone chronograph variants trading well above retail. Waiting lists at authorized dealers are lengthy, making secondary acquisition the realistic route for most buyers.