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Rapper Pras Michel spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Pras Michel, co-founder of the Fugees and solo rapper, was recently spotted wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph in 18kt rose gold, reference 5980/1R-001 — a watch that sits at the intersection of haute horology and integrated-bracelet sport-watch design.

The Nautilus 5980/1R is powered by Patek Philippe's Caliber CH 28-520 C, a self-winding flyback chronograph movement with a column wheel, horizontal clutch, and a generous 45-to-55 hour power reserve. It operates at 28,800 vph and is finished to the exacting standards collectors expect from Geneva's most prestigious manufacture. The black gradient dial — known in collector circles as the 'black opaline' variant — features the Nautilus's signature horizontal relief embossing and luminescent applied hour markers. The 40.5mm rose gold case retains Genta's classic octagonal bezel with rounded corners and alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces, all carried on an integrated rose gold bracelet.

First introduced in 2006 as the successor to the steel 5980/1A, the rose gold 5980/1R quickly became a grail reference for collectors who wanted the full Nautilus experience — sport aesthetics, integrated bracelet, and a genuine in-house flyback chronograph — without the steel model's near-impossible waitlist. The reference remained in production until Patek Philippe discontinued the entire 5980 family in 2018, replacing it with the updated 5990 travel-time chronograph. Discontinuation has done the 5980's market value no harm whatsoever.

Pras Michel, born Prakazrel Samuel Michel, rose to global fame with the Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean before pursuing a solo career. His choice of the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980/1R aligns with a long tradition of hip-hop and R&B artists gravitating toward rose gold Patek sport references as the ultimate statement of refined success.

On the secondary market, the 5980/1R-001 commands serious premiums over its original retail price. With an original UK RRP in the region of £60,000, grey-market examples in excellent condition regularly trade between $90,000 and $120,000 USD depending on box, papers, and service history — a testament to the enduring desirability of discontinued rose gold Nautilus chronograph references.