Nautilus 2014 · 7018/1A-001 · Box and Paper 33.6mm · White · Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe’s Nautilus ref. 7018/1A-001 belongs to the branch of the ladies’ line that brought together a steel case, diamonds, and a self-winding movement. Patek introduced the Ladies Automatic Nautilus in 2011, and the 7018/1A followed among the new models of 2013.

Women had taken to the Nautilus before Patek made one for them. The company answered with the ref. 4700, which measured 28.5 mm and was designed expressly for women. When Patek reworked the ladies’ line in 2009, the case grew to 32 mm, in gold only and with quartz movements. The Ladies Automatic models then grew again, to the 33.6 mm the 7018/1A kept.

Patek has described the original Nautilus as made “for go-getting people with active lifestyles,” and its 2009 campaign for the ladies’ line showed a woman on a speeding yacht. The diamonds answer to practical rules as well, because the Patek Philippe Seal covers the case and not only the movement. Every stone must be set by a master jeweler and never glued, and none may stand proud enough to scratch.

Made in 2014, the year after the reference appeared, this example is pre-owned. In 2019, Patek replaced the 7018/1A with the ref. 7118/1200A, enlarging the case to 35.2 mm and adding a clasp that lets the bracelet give 2 to 4 mm. The 7118 also comes in rose gold, as the Ladies Nautilus (7118/1200R-010). For the gold models of 2009, see the Ladies Nautilus (7011/1G-010), and for the men’s steel model, the Nautilus (5711/1A-011), one we have offered.

Set beside the gold quartz models of 2009, the 7018/1A offers the Nautilus in steel, run by a self-winding movement instead of a battery. Its natural owner is a woman who wants to wear her Patek Philippe every day, diamonds included.

Sources: Patek Philippe; Revolution