GENEVA – The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva has unveiled a special thematic exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nautilus, one of the brand’s most iconic collections.

Titled 1976 – 2026 Nautilus 50th anniversary of an icon of sporty elegance, the exhibition opened during the museum’s Open House Weekend on June 6–7 and will run until early 2027.

Launched in 1976, the Nautilus broke with traditional luxury watchmaking codes. Its steel case — an unusual choice for a high-end timepiece — and its distinctive octagonal bezel with softened corners set it apart. The design was not just for originality, but for function: inspired by a ship’s porthole, the two-part case features a single drilling for the winding stem, with a bezel pressed down by four clamping screws, reminiscent of hatch-locking systems on transatlantic liners.

The exhibition traces the Nautilus’s rich history using historical archives and a selection of models that marked key periods. Visitors can explore the journey of the so-called “enfant terrible” of 1970s disruptive design — an approach that became a legend and helped shape Patek Philippe’s success.

A highlight is the rare chance to see the 50th anniversary limited series, available in four exclusive models.

The Patek Philippe Museum is located at Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, Plainpalais, Geneva. Opening hours are 2–6 pm (Tuesday to Friday), 10 am–6 pm (Saturday), and 2–6 pm (Sunday).