Watch Paparazzi

Entrepreneur Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, president of Ray-Ban, was recently spotted wearing one of the most coveted timepieces in contemporary horology: a platinum Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711-113P, factory-set with 32 baguette-cut emeralds encircling the bezel and 12 additional emerald hour markers. The pairing of the iconic sunglasses executive with this ultra-rare sports watch highlights the enduring appeal of Patek Philippe's steel alternative in precious metals, particularly when elevated through bespoke gemstone settings.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711-113P is constructed entirely in platinum, the brand's premium case material, and houses the Calibre 324 SC, an in-house automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and Gyromax balance wheel for superior timekeeping stability. The cushion-shaped integrated case measures 42 mm across and features the Nautilus's signature porthole dial window and tappered bracelet with polished and brushed finishing. Water resistance reaches 120 meters, sufficient for everyday wear despite the watch's decidedly ceremonial application. The black dial exhibits horizontal grooves characteristic of modern Nautilus examples, while the emerald hour markers and bezel transform the sports watch into an unabashedly precious object.

This particular reference commands exceptional premiums among collectors and dealers. The factory gemstone setting—32 baguette-cut emeralds totaling approximately 12 carats in the bezel alone—represents bespoke work rarely documented in the secondary market. Only a handful of Ref. 5711-113P examples exist with this exact specification. Patek Philippe's waiting list for standard Nautilus models stretches beyond a decade; custom precious-metal variants with significant gemstone work remain available exclusively through the brand's own client relationship network and command multi-year lead times.

MDV's choice of the Nautilus reinforces the reference's status as the ultimate executive's sports chronograph. The Ref. 5711-113P occupies a position between the stainless steel Nautilus—itself sold out at retail for over two decades—and the brand's one-off haute joaillerie creations. The $432,985 USD official list price reflects only the base platinum case and movement; the emerald setting and customization likely increased the original invoice substantially. Current grey-market valuations of $1.6 million USD reflect not scarcity alone but the watch's dual identity as both technical instrument and portable wealth reserve.

In the secondary market, Ref. 5711-113P examples rarely surface. When they do, pricing depends heavily on provenance, condition, and the extent of gemstone embellishment. This sighting underscores Patek Philippe's enduring appeal among billionaire entrepreneurs and the Nautilus's role as the ultimate prestige sports watch, even when rendered in platinum and adorned with emeralds worth more than most fine wristwatches.