Racing driver Jean Todt spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Jean Todt, legendary Scuderia Ferrari team principal and FIA president emeritus, appeared at BoF500 during Paris Fashion Week wearing the Patek Philippe Nautilus Jumbo Ref. 5811/1G-001 in 18k white gold. The sighting captures a notable moment in Todt's watch collecting journey: after consigning a significant portion of his collection to Christie's Geneva, he has gravitated toward this contemporary white-gold Nautilus as his signature everyday timepiece.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5811/1G-001 succeeded the cult 5711 upon its discontinuation in early 2021, debuting in 2022 as the exclusive white-gold evolution of Gérald Genta's 1976 design. The 5811 houses the calibre 26-650, a self-winding movement offering 48 hours of power reserve, housed within a 40 mm white gold case with a water resistance of 120 metres. The defining feature of Todt's example is the black-blue gradient dial—a subtly animated sunburst finish that shifts tonality under light, paired with white gold applied indices and Mercedes-style hands. The Nautilus integrated bracelet, machined from solid white gold, features the characteristic angular links and deployment clasp that define the reference.

Historically significant, the white-gold Nautilus occupies a privileged position in the model's lineage. The reference 3711, the original white-gold Jumbo introduced in 1976, remained exclusive to that precious metal for 30 years before the stainless-steel 5711 democratised the design in 2006. The 5811 represents a deliberate return to white gold exclusivity at the 50th anniversary, eschewing the stainless-steel reissue that many collectors anticipated. This strategic positioning reinforces Patek Philippe's luxury positioning and maintains artificial scarcity.

Todt's selection of the 5811/1G-001 reflects broader market sentiment: among Ferrari aficionados and motorsport insiders, the white-gold Nautilus carries symbolic weight as a refined alternative to steel sports watches. For a figure of Todt's stature—having stewarded Ferrari through multiple championship campaigns and the FIA presidency—the pairing feels deliberate rather than accidental.

Retail for the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5811/1G-001 stands at approximately USD 59,000. Grey-market pricing for unworn examples currently ranges between USD 75,000 and USD 95,000, driven by consistent waitlist demand and limited white-gold allocation at authorised dealers. The reference remains among the most sought contemporary Patek Philippe sports watches.