Patek philippe nautilus

The Patek Philippe Nautilus, launched in 1976, is a luxury sports watch with a porthole-inspired design by Gérald Genta.

About this subject

The Patek Philippe Nautilus is one of the most iconic watches in haute horology. Launched in 1976 during the quartz crisis, it represented the Swiss industry's pivot to bold, modern designs. Designer Gérald Genta, who also created the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, sketched the Nautilus in a single weekend, drawing inspiration from a ship's porthole. The original model, reference 3700/1A, featured a 42 mm stainless steel case, unusual for a luxury watch at the time, and housed the automatic caliber 28‑255 C movement. The name Nautilus alludes to Captain Nemo's submarine from Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, reinforcing the nautical theme. Key design elements include the iconic porthole-like case with lateral guards protecting the crown, a horizontally embossed dial, and a seamlessly integrated tapering bracelet. Over the years, the Nautilus has evolved into numerous variations, including perpetual calendars, chronographs, and precious metal editions. The reference 5711/1A-010 with a blue dial became a modern icon, discontinued in 2021, causing secondary market prices to soar. The Nautilus epitomizes sporty elegance and exclusivity, with waiting lists spanning years. Its limited production and the prestige of Patek Philippe make it a coveted grail watch among collectors worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of a Patek Philippe Nautilus?

New Nautilus prices range from approximately $30,000 to over $200,000 depending on model and material. Steel models like the 5711/1A have a retail price around $34,000, but due to scarcity, secondary market prices can exceed $100,000.

Why is the Nautilus so hard to find?

Patek Philippe deliberately limits production to maintain exclusivity. Global demand far outstrips supply, resulting in official waiting lists of 5 to 10 years or more, and significant premiums on the secondary market.

What's the difference between the Nautilus 5711 and 5712?

The 5711 is a basic three-hand watch with a date window, while the 5712 adds a subdial for running seconds and a moon phase indicator. Both have a 40 mm case, but the 5712 is slightly thicker.