A Buyer’s Guide to the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711

You know how some things may leave our possession but continue to captivate our hearts? That’s exactly the kind of charm the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 holds over us. It debuted on the 30th anniversary of the original Nautilus ‘Jumbo’ 3700 in 2006, but no one got that excited about it. Sure, it was a good-looking watch, but many felt it was just Patek’s way of paying tribute to its history.

With that in mind, the Reference 5711 isn’t the first Nautilus produced by the brand, nor is it remotely close to being the most complicated iteration, but something about it made the 5711 Nautilus a cultural phenomenon.

During its 15-year run, the reference 5711 made a remarkable transition from being an anomaly to becoming the brand’s most coveted model, with a multi-year waiting list. So, it’s worth knowing everything about this prestigious piece when planning to add one to your collection.

Introducing the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711

What comes to your mind when you think of the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 – a singular steel model with an octagonal shape and blue dial? Most of you didn’t think much else of it.

To your surprise, the ‘5711’ moniker applies to an array of distinct references with various materials, movements, bezels, dials, straps and bracelets. Due to this variety, some examples of the Nautilus 5711 can be purchased for a high five-figure price while others more than a million.

Simply put, the ‘Nautilus’ is one of the world’s most recognisable and collectable watches, and the reference 5711 is its ultimate variation. The Nautilus 5711 served as the foundation for many subsequent models during its existence in Patek’s catalogue.

Original design of the Nautilus 5711

The 5711 looked similar to the original Nautilus 3700 from 1976, with some added tweaks. It was now larger in size, nestled at 40mm (43mm if you include the hinges). This time-and-date Nautilus has a three-part case compared to the monobloc construction of the vintage model, a central sweeping seconds hand and a sapphire display case back, showcasing the inner workings of its self-winding movement.

The octagonal case inspired by a ship’s porthole has a beautiful hand-finishing, a blue gradient dial with a date window at 3 o’clock, a satin-finished bracelet and a brushed bezel. This ‘Jumbo’ 5711 Nautilus features the brand’s signature integrated bracelet, although some versions embrace a dressier design and come fitted with leather straps and bracelets crafted from precious metal alloys. The watch and bracelet together make the 5711 sleek, comfortable and irresistibly wearable.

During its production, Patek equipped the 5711 with three different calibres, categorising them as the ‘First’ series, ‘Second’ series and ‘Third’ series. Before you ask if these distinctions are important – No, they’re not.

A Nautilus 5711 is a “5711”. But, if we were to classify them based on the movement calibres, here’s what it’d be.

• ‘First Movement’ (2006-2007) – Calibre 315 SC

While most of the 5711s use the Calibre 324SC, the 5711 released in 2006 is powered by the Calibre 315SC. You can find the 315 in models from 2006 through early 2007. Given their short production run, these examples are hard to find.

• ‘Second Movement’ (2007-2019) – Calibre 324 SC

As said, most of the 5711 models fall in this Second Movement series, when Patek replaced the 315SC with the Calibre 324SC. The 324SC is pretty much similar to its unidirectional, self-winding predecessor, except that it has a higher beat rate, 28,800 compared to 21,600.

Additionally, until 2009, all Patek watches came with the Geneva Seal, placed on movements that passed a long list of quality requirements for calibres produced in the Canton of Geneva. In 2009, Patek introduced its own Patek Philippe Seal, replacing the Geneva Seal. You can easily notice this new seal with a marking “PP” on the bridge.

• ‘Third Movement’ (2019-2021) – Calibre 26-330 SC

Until 2019, the Patek Philippe 5711 movement didn’t have a hacking seconds function to set the time. In 2019, it was updated with the Calibre 26-330SC, which featured a hacking seconds function. Patek continued using this calibre until the 5711 was discontinued in 2021.

Key Updates Seen In The Patek Philippe Nautilus ‘5711’ During Its Production

2006 – Stainless steel time-and-date 5711 model with a matching integrated bracelet, an updated case structure, the addition of a central seconds hand and a display sapphire case back.

2007 – 2009—From 2007 to 2009, Patek produced the 5711/1A (original 2006 version) in yellow gold (5711J), white gold (5711G), and rose gold (5711R). The dials were silver, black, and dark brown, respectively. All the watches were offered with a strap.

2011—Patek started creating ultra-exclusive platinum versions of the 5711, with the reference 5711/1P, featuring dials and bezels set with diamonds and other precious gemstones. It also created ‘out-of-catalogue’ platinum pieces for the brand’s top customers that were unavailable to the general public.

2012— Patek added the option of a white dial to the stainless steel Nautilus 5711. Thanks to its bold black indices, it was nicknamed the white ‘piano’ model. The bracelet slightly changed, while other things remained the same as the blue 5711.

Until 2011, Patek secured the removable end links on the bracelet with screws to ensure they stay in place. In 2012, this changed to pin sleeves, a slightly more expensive technique.

2015 – Patek once again released the Nautilus 5711R in 18ct rose gold, featuring a brown dial, but this time with a matching 18ct rose gold integrated bracelet. It was a hit!

2016—To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Nautilus collection, Patek released a limited-edition solid platinum version of the 5711, the 5711/1P. Unlike the non-anniversary 5711/1P version, this special anniversary edition features a bright blue dial with anniversary special markings and baguette-cut diamond hour markers. It had a large tombstone at 6 o’clock to mark the Nautilus’s 40th anniversary.

2020—Patek announced the discontinuation of the Nautilus 5711. But before bidding a final goodbye, it released three exclusive versions of the ‘Jumbo’ Nautilus 5711.

Towards the end of the production- Patek Philippe started releasing a new series of gem-set platinum references, similar to the models that appeared first in 2015.

2021—Patek launched a duo of the ‘Jumbo’ stainless steel Nautilus 5711, fitted with dark green dials. While one model was fitted with a simple green dial, the other was paired with a green dial and a 32-baguette-set diamond bezel. Both watches were in production for less than a year and were virtually unattainable at retail.

As a final farewell, Patek Philippe surprised fans with a 170-piece limited-edition Nautilus to celebrate the 170th anniversary between the two major companies, Tiffany & Co. and Patek Philippe (more on this later).

Collector’s Guide To The Nautilus 5711

Popular Nautilus 5711 Watches

Over its 15-year lifespan, the Nautilus 5711 was made of various metals and fitted with different dials and bezels. With that in mind, here are some of the most popular and loved models.

• Stainless Steel Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711

It never seems enough to praise the ultimate Nautilus—the Nautilus 5711 in stainless steel. Stainless steel is the quintessential configuration for the brand’s popular sports watches, and the 5711 in steel is widely recognised as the epitome of the ‘Nautilus’ series. Its 40mm size guarantees a perfect fit, and the distinctive octagonal-shaped porthole case and the dial featuring the iconic horizontal embossing are the key design features. It has a date window, making it stylish and highly functional.

The Patek Nautilus 5711/1A, with its blue dial, keeps us busy most of the time. It is a classic, refined gentleman’s sports timepiece that has become highly collectable—so much so that you can even sell the pre-owned versions at a higher price than the retail.

• 18ct Rose Gold Patek Philippe Nautilus, 5711/1R-001

Alongside the classic steel version, Patek Philippe launched a rose gold version of the Nautilus 5711 with the reference 5711/1R-001. Fitted with an elegant chocolate brown dial and a matching gold bracelet, this is certainly a looker. The gradient-coloured brown dial is adorned beautifully with white baton hour markers and a small date display at 3 o’clock.

You’re right if you thought the Nautilus 5711 existed before in rose gold but not with a matching bracelet. The Nautilus’s real charm lies in the epic finishing of the case and the bracelet, which is perfectly embraced in the rose gold variant.

• Platinum Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1P-001 ‘Limited Edition’

Patek Philippe released a platinum model 5711/1P in 2016 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The ‘P’ in the reference number stands for Platinum. It is a large-seeming watch with a platinum case and bracelet. The bracelet is the same as the first Nautilus in 1976 and looks stylish in platinum with polished centre links. You can also find a small diamond embedded in the case between the bottom lugs at 6 o’clock, indicating its nobility.

The royal blue dial has received the most reviews for its unusual two-line description, mentioning “40” and “1976-2016.” The citation is the same colour as the background and hence seamlessly merges with the rest of the dial, except when the light hits at certain angles. There are 12 baguette-cut diamonds as the hour markers, 18ct white gold hands, and a functional date window at 3 o’clock.

Limited to only 700 pieces, the watches mostly ended up in the hands of collectors with strong connections to the brand.

• Patek Philippe Nautilus ‘Tiffany’ Blue Dial, 5711/1A-018

Celebrating the partnership of two companies, Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co, Patek released a ‘don’t even think about it’ 170-iterations limited edition model, the Nautilus 5711/1A-018 with a shiny Tiffany blue dial in 2021. This tempting watch bears the ‘170th Anniversary’ mention on its sapphire crystal case back.

The 170 examples of this double-signed Patek Philippe Nautilus is differentiated by the unique baby blue dial colour (the signature Tiffany blue). It features black gold applied hands and markers and a metallic framed date window at 3 o’clock. Spot the retailer’s signature at the bottom, 6 o’clock.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus ‘Tiffany & Co’ Ref. 5711/1A-018 is a bold-looking version of the steel Nautilus and one of its most successful and iconic references. Patek definitely geared up to upset the masses with this incredibly rare and important watch.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

When Patek brought back the Nautilus in 2006, it had no idea that in 15 years, it’d become the world’s most hyped watch and truly claim iconic status. The watch now fetches a value more than six times its RRP at auctions!

Gerald Genta, the maker of the iconic ‘Nautilus’ design, has created many other great watches, like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Omega Constellation, IWC Ingenieur, and the Bvlgari BVLGARI. However, the Nautilus continues to be the most difficult to obtain, making it a prized possession.

To sum up, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus lineup is the ideal mix of craftsmanship and innovation and also has long-term investment potential. Its scarce availability, distinctive look, and high demand make the Nautilus 5711 one of the most coveted models globally.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, historical data indicates a steady rise in the worth of Patek Philippe Nautilus watches, influenced by the factors mentioned above. As the market expands, so will the value of the Nautilus, making it a dependable investment that provides visual and financial stability.

Armed with all this knowledge, secure a valuable addition to your investment portfolio today!

Overall Specifications of the Nautilus 5711

• Nickname: Jumbo
• Years of Production: 2006-2021
• Reference Numbers: 5711/1A-001, 5711/111P-001, 5711/1A-011, 5711/1A-1300A-001, 5711/1A-018, 5711R-001, 5711G-001, 5711/1A-010, 5711J-001, 5711/1P-001, 5711/1P-010, 5711/111P-010, 5711/112P-001, 5711/1R-001, 5711/112P-010, 5711/1A-014, 5711/113P-010, 5711/110P-010, 5711/110P-001, 5711/113P-001 
• Material: Stainless steel, White gold, Yellow gold, Rose gold and Platinum
• Case Diameter: 40mm (43mm including the ‘ears’)
• Bezel: Fixed (Gem-set or Vertical brushed)
• Dial: White, Green, Blue, Brown, Tiffany Blue, Black, Silver or Grey
• Bracelet: Leather Strap or Integrated Bracelet
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Functionality: Hours, seconds, minutes and date display
• Movement: Calibre 315SC, 324SC or 26-330SC
• Water Resistance: 120 metres