Designer Magda Butrym spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Polish fashion designer Magda Butrym made a sophisticated watch choice at a recent New York Fashion Week celebration hosted by Spotify and Moda Operandi at the venue Gosh. Butrym wore the Patek Philippe Ladies' Nautilus ref. 4700/51J-010, a 27mm sports watch in 18k yellow gold with an ivory dial and integrated bracelet—a timepiece that exemplifies refined elegance in miniature form.

The ref. 4700/51J-010 represents the first feminine interpretation of Gérald Genta's iconic Nautilus design, introduced in 1980. The watch measures 27mm in diameter, significantly smaller than the original men's Nautilus case, and is powered by the Patek Philippe caliber E19 C quartz movement, a hallmark of precision and reliability. The ivory dial contrasts beautifully against the warm 18k yellow gold case, which is finished in full polish to enhance its luxurious appearance. The integrated bracelet, also in full-polish yellow gold, creates a seamless visual flow from case to wrist. Water resistance is rated to 120 meters, suitable for daily wear despite the dress-watch aesthetic.

The ref. 4700/51J-010 holds a special position within Patek Philippe's sports watch portfolio. This reference predates the modernized quartz Ladies' Nautilus ref. 7010 (32mm) and the automatic ref. 7118 (35mm), both of which dominate the current Maison catalogue. The original 1980 reference commands respect among collectors seeking vintage Nautilus watches with genuine historical provenance and the distinctive proportions of Genta's original compact design.

Butrym's pairing of this classic sports watch with contemporary fashion design signals a broader trend: haute horlogerie serving as a counterpoint to seasonal collections. The Nautilus line has transcended its original sports-watch brief to become a cornerstone of luxury accessorizing, worn equally at regattas and fashion events. For a designer making her NYFW debut, the choice underscores understated confidence—a watch that needs no introduction.

On the secondary market, ref. 4700/51J-010 examples in yellow gold typically trade between $18,000 and $26,000 USD, depending on condition and dial finish variation. Original retail prices from the early 1980s ranged significantly lower, making surviving examples increasingly sought after by vintage Patek Philippe collectors. Availability remains limited, particularly for unworn or near-mint specimens.