The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 – A Symbol of Elegance in Sports Watches
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a must-have sports watch for legions of horophiles. Its unique blend of beauty, rarity and investment potential has made it a coveted timepiece.
In 2022, the brand will only produce a few thousand new reference 5711s each year. Hence, waiting lists at brick-and-mortar ADs can be lengthy.
Case and Bracelet
Designed by Gerald Genta and first introduced in 1976, the Nautilus is now one of the most recognizable luxury sports watches on the market. With just time and date functionality, the 5711 is a simple yet classic design.
Its sleek silhouette and the octagonal bezel with the porthole shape that resembles hinges of a ship are instantly recognizable. The bracelet is also beautifully executed with contrasting polished and satin surfaces.
The case is made from a nickel-chrome-molybdenum steel alloy that was considered the highest quality at that time. It can handle extreme temperatures and pressures, and is significantly lighter than regular stainless steel. It houses the Caliber 26-330 SC in-house automatic movement with simple date complications.
Movement
Patek Philippe doesn’t have many watches that are as desirable and appreciating as the 5711. It’s a simple 3 hand sports watch but it has so much meaning to collectors. This is evident by how often pre-owned dealers and official Patek retailers receive calls from people looking to buy a steel Nautilus, even the standard reference 5711/1A.
The reintroduction of this reference with a green dial in 2022 was a great move from the brand to acknowledge the importance of this model. The new 5711/1A Green has the same movement as the original – Cal. 324 SC -unidirectional self-winding – central gold rotor – Geneva Seal certification – Gyromax balance – Spiromax balance spring – power reserve – 45 hours
Case Back
The octagonal-shaped sapphire case back displays the Caliber 324 SC self-winding movement, which combines Patek Philippe’s signature design features. These include a polished and brushed finish, circular graining, Cotes de Geneve, and bevelled stainless-steel parts and bridges.
The design of the movement is evocative of the metal hardware on a teak wood boat deck. It is equipped with a solid gold rotor and carries the Patek Philippe seal. This timepiece is a collector’s item and has been worn by celebrities including American basketball player Kyle Kuzma.
Dial
The 5711 is the world’s most desirable steel luxury sports watch. It has birthed an entire collection and continues to be Patek Philippe’s most popular model. Its low annual production numbers make it a highly sought after collector’s item and it trades at triple its retail value on the secondary market.
When Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern announced that the iconic blue dial version of the Nautilus would be retiring, it caused a typhoon in the watch collecting world. The replacement was a surprise: a swan song edition with an olive green dial.
This re-issue uses the same case, bracelet and movement of its predecessor and pays tribute to the original. It has a casually elegant design with the porthole-style case with lateral ears and brushed and polished surfaces. It is water-resistant up to 120 meters and a great choice for a day at the beach or a day at the office.
Water Resistance
Since its debut in 1976, the Nautilus has become a symbol of elegance in sports watches. Its case design is reminiscent of the portholes found on ships, while its bracelet evokes nautical hardware. This watch is the perfect accessory for an active lifestyle.
The 5711 is powered by the Patek Philippe Caliber 26-330 S C movement. This movement is a true beauty. It features all the hallmarks of haute horlogerie and is incredibly thin. It is also self-winding and has a power reserve of 45 hours.
Although the 5711 has been discontinued, Patek Philippe’s foresight ensures that its legacy will endure. The company has already introduced a superior successor, the 5811/1G. The 5811/1G offers all the original DNA of the Nautilus while adding some upgrades.