Strap for Nautilus 5720 White Gold Shanghai

The bracelet is integrated directly into the case: there is no standard lug to attach a regular strap. This is not a limitation — it is a precise design choice made by Gérald Genta. For those who wish to switch to leather, the only option is to build the attachment by hand, starting from the actual geometry of the case.

I work through <a href="/pages/casati-booking">Casati Milano</a>, my appointment-only atelier at Via XX Settembre 15 in Milan. I bring the watch to the bench, take measurements directly from the case, and build each attachment by hand, adapting it to the specific geometry of this Nautilus. I do not work from photographs or technical sheets: I need the watch in front of me.

My clear preference is natural, non-lacquered Mississippi alligator. This Nautilus in white gold has a dual character: sporting in form, refined in material. Natural alligator ages with dignity, developing a patina that adapts to wear without compromising the elegance of the case. I avoid overly glossy leathers — they compete with the white gold rather than complementing it.

A strap built with first-quality leather and properly finished will comfortably last five to seven years of regular use. The key is care: keep it away from prolonged exposure to water and let it breathe between wearings. Over time the leather softens, takes the shape of the wrist, becomes more personal — it does not deteriorate, it matures.

In 1976, Genta drew a porthole-shaped case inspired by the watertight hatches of ships — an industrial geometry applied to high-end watchmaking, which was unusual for that era. The 5720/1G-001 carries this same structure in white gold, pairing it with haute horlogerie complications that give the piece even greater technical depth. I have seen many sports watches over the years: few manage to hold together formal rigour and mechanical complexity with this consistency.