Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 : Why Is It So Valuable?

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711

The Patek Philippe Nautilus ref 5711/1A has reached mythical status. With a retail price of around 30,000 USD, a wait list of eight years, and people willing to pay double the retail in the pre-owned market, one can unequivocally say that it’s the luxury sports watch of the moment.

The gradient blue watch undeniably has strong appeal, but for a watch made of stainless steel and with no other complication other than a date, many still ask the question: what makes the 5711/1A so valuable?

Here are top 3 reasons why it’s the hottest luxury sports watch on the market.

 

The original Patek Philippe Nautilus ref 3700 and the current model ref 5711
The original Patek Philippe Nautilus ref 3700 and the current model ref 5711 | photo: Christies

LEGACY

Before the 5711 came along, the Patek Philippe Nautilus was already an established luxury icon. What makes the ref 5711/1A especially appealing is that it is the direct descendant of the first ever Nautilus watch, the 3700.

Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta in 1976, its name and porthole shape was inspired by the passion for sailing that the Stern family, owners of Patek Philippe, were quite known for.

The Nautilus was a revolution for Patek. First, because it went head to head with the quartz watches of the time; and second, because it was a Patek Philippe in steel. Prior to its release, Patek only made watches from precious metals.

Moreover, selling the Nautilus at a premium has always been part of Patek Philippe’s strategy. As one of its very first advertisements famously said, “one of the world’s costliest watches is made of steel.”

 


 

Patek Philippe Nautilus Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch ref 5711
Patek Philippe Nautilus Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch ref 5711 | photo: Patek.com

SCARCITY

Closely held by the Stern family since 1932, Patek Philippe does not disclose its production numbers but reports say it produces 60,000 timepieces annually and around 140 models. The ref 5711/1A is just one of those.

In a 2019 New York Times interview, Thierry Stern, president of Patek Philippe, said that they are meeting only 10% of the demand for the ref 5711, and it’s going to stay that way.

“For us, this is not a race to make more money,” he said in the interview. “It is a race for beauty, for the long term, and for greater choice in our collections.”

 


 

Patek Philippe Nautilus Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch ref 5711 (with ref 3800)
Patek Philippe Nautilus Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch ref 5711 (with ref 3800)

VERSATILITY

Aside from its rarity and heritage, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711’s appeal really lies in its versatility.

While many sports watches come with a thick and solid body, the Nautilus, particularly its bracelet, is very thin and sleek. With its legible blue gradient dial, it would look good with pretty much any outfit and in every situation.

It also has a water resistance of 120 metres, so for water activities – except professional deep-sea diving, it is more than enough.

Lastly, it wears very comfortably – think the comfort of sneakers with the sleek elegance of a suit. What more can you ask for?

 


 

While it could take you eight years to get your dream Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A from authorized dealers, it is available at SwissWatchExpo, in limited quantities.

 

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