To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of one of the most iconic loudspeakers ever created, Bowers & Wilkins have unveiled a rather dramatic new Abalone Pearl finish for the the Nautilus loudspeakers. The specific color was chosen to match the internal shell of the marine mollusk that was the inspiration for the project.
The Nautilus is still a remarkable achievement, even some 30 years after its introduction. That’s a testament to the ground-breaking vision of both company founder John Bowers, who initiated the Nautilus project shortly before he passed away, and the lead engineer who would eventually deliver on that legacy, Laurence Dickie.
The idea behind Nautilus was simple, but immensely challenging: ‘make a loudspeaker that doesn’t sound like a loudspeaker’. Armed with an exceptionally wide brief, no time constraints and few limitations related to practicality or cost, the Nautilus emerged after five years.
Nothing in audio looks or sounds like Nautilus, which remains an icon of radical thinking and revolutionary design to this day. The Abalone Pearl finish of the 30th Anniversary pair is a stunning celebration of one of the most legendary loudspeakers ever created.
30 years later, Nautilus is still built the same way; a painstaking hand-built process at the Bowers & Wilkins’ factory in Worthing, UK. Simply building one speaker enclosure takes over a week – and that’s before any notions of sanding, painting or polishing each cabinet are involved.
Commenting on the 30th Anniversary, Dave Sheen, Brand President of Bowers & Wilkins said:
“While Bowers & Wilkins is committed to advancing the future of high-performance audio across all of our product portfolio, Nautilus remains of the highest importance to all of us. It readily communicates everything that is exceptional about Bowers & Wilkins and our no-holds-barred approach to creating the world’s best-sounding, most beautifully designed audio products.”
Price & Availability
The 30th Anniversary Pearl-finished Nautilus is hand-made to order for $70,000/pair, so it won’t be carried at any dealers.
A standard color Nautilus in Midnight Blue Metallic, Silver and Black are also available for $70,000 pair.
Bowers & Wilkins also has special service that can match any color from a sample or color reference for an extra cost.
No matter which color you chose, be prepared to wait. Currently there’s a two year waiting list.
About Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins, founded in the U.K. in 1966, has been at the forefront of high-performance audio technology for more than 50 years. It designs and manufactures precision home speakers, headphones, custom installation and performance car audio products that set new standards for innovation and sound quality, earning countless awards and accolades from the world’s leading recording studios and musicians. Bowers & Wilkins’ reputation is based on the unwavering pursuit of the best possible sound and an unsurpassable music listening experience.
Learn more at www.bowerswilkins.com.
ORT
May 11, 2023 at 5:52 pm
Ray Stantz: “I tried to think of the most harmless thing. Something I loved from my childhood. Something that could never ever possibly destroy us. Mr. Nautilus!”
It does kinda sorta conjure up thoughts of the big guy. At least in white.
“Who ya gonna call?”
ORT
Ian White
May 11, 2023 at 8:29 pm
ORT,
“What did you do Ray?”
IW