The Patek Philippe Nautilus is one of the most iconic sport watches ever created, and in recent years, it has become extremely sought after, especially following Patek’s decision to discontinue the model in 2021.

First introduced in 1976, the Nautilus was Patek Philippe’s entry into the luxury stainless steel sports watch market, a category created by Audemars Piguet in 1972 with the launch of the Royal Oak. Both watches were designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, who drew inspiration for the Nautilus from a ship’s porthole. The Nautilus featured a hinge inspired case with a rounded octagonal bezel, a design that took inspiration from the Royal Oak.

The original “Jumbo” Nautilus, reference 3700, was eventually discontinued in the 1990s, and in 2004, Patek revived the model with the release of reference 3711, an exclusive version made entirely of solid white gold. Produced for just two years, the 3711 served as a precursor to the second generation of “Jumbo” Nautilus watches.

In 2006, Patek introduced the reference 5711 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus collection. Like the original 3700, the 5711 featured simple time and date functions, but added a central seconds hand and an exhibition caseback that showcased the self winding movement. The case was also updated to 40mm, while retaining the classic slim profile and integrated bracelet on the Nautilus.

From 2006 to 2021, the 5711 was produced in a variety of configurations, made from different alloys,
fitted with a variety of dial options, and powered by different automatic movements. Still, the most classic and coveted version was the stainless steel model with matching integrated bracelet.

The reference number 5711 signifies a Nautilus with time and date complications in a 40mm case. The rest of the reference number (for example, 5711/1R-001) identifies other specifications such as case material, bezel style, dial type, and whether the watch is fitted with a leather strap or bracelet.

Retail pricing for the 5711 started at around $30,000 for stainless steel models and climbed above $100,000 for versions in precious metals. Since its discontinuation in 2021, secondary market prices have surged. “Entry level” steel versions now typically trade starting at around $100,000, depending on condition and configuration.

Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref. 5711) Key Features:

• Reference Numbers: 5711/1A-001, 5711/1A-010, 5711/1A-011, 5711/1A-014, 5711/1A-1300A-001, 5711/1A-018, 5711/1R-001, 5711R-001, 5711J-001, 5711G-001, 5711/1P-001, 5711/1P-010, 5711/110P-010, 5711/111P-010, 5711/112P-010, 5711/113P-010, 5711/110P-001, 5711/111P-001, 5711/112P-001, 5711/113P-001
• Years of Production: 2006 – 2021
• Materials: Stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum
• Case Size: 40mm
• Functionality: Hours, minutes, seconds, date display
• Bezel: Fixed (vertical brushed or gem-set)
• Dials: Blue, White, Green, Tiffany Blue, Brown, Silver, Black, or Gray
• Hands: Baton-style w/ luminous inlays
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Cal. 315 SC, Cal. 324 SC, or Cal. 26-330 SC (automatic winding)
• Water Resistance: 120 meters
• Strap/Bracelet: Integrated bracelet or leather strap