Patek Philippe
Nautilus 7010G-013

The bracelet is integrated directly into the white gold case: there is no standard lug to attach a conventional strap. The attachment geometry is proprietary, designed by Patek Philippe to remain exactly as it is. The only option is to build a strap to measure, starting from the original case, in the atelier.

I work through <a href="/pages/casati-booking">Casati Milano</a>, by appointment only, at Via XX Settembre 15 in Milan. I bring the watch to the bench, study the curve of the attachments, and take every measurement directly from the case. I never work from a cast or a photograph: the result must integrate with that specific white gold, not an approximation.

On a white gold Nautilus I prefer Mississippi Alligator with symmetrical scaling: its regular structure works well with the architectural lines of the case. A natural tone or a cool grey holds its own against the white gold without overpowering it. It is a leather that ages with character, and on a watch like this that matters.

A strap built with selected leather and hand-stitched easily lasts five to seven years of daily wear, sometimes more. Quality leather does not deteriorate: it transforms. I recommend keeping it away from prolonged contact with water and letting it breathe between wears. With minimal care, the patina it develops over time becomes part of the strap's character.

Gérald Genta designed the Nautilus in 1976 as a sport watch for the wrist, but the 7010G-013 in white gold is intended for a different kind of wear — closer to elegance than to sailing. I have seen many clients make this change and the result is often more consistent with how they actually wear the watch. A leather strap does not betray the character of the Nautilus: it simply shifts the emphasis.