
Mark in Paris shares a passionate ode to the Patek Philippe Nautilus family, offering a personal perspective on its enduring appeal and subtle elegance. This post delves into the subjective feelings that draw collectors to specific references, providing a comparative look at various Nautilus models through the eyes of an owner.
Ah the Nautiluses... they are one of the families I like most in the watch world.
I love their sporty elegance, an elegance that could even compete with classic dressy watches.
There is in particular this 70's touch I like a lot as I was a young child at that time (75') and it must bring me back unconscious happy memories. But you already know that fellows, all these little subjective feelings that make what we like and what we don't.
The softness of its curves, visually but also physically, is something quite unique. The RO is a real marvel as a sculpture, more exciting to me than the Nautilus, but as a whole this Nautilus is more appealing because everything is more subtle. Yes, "subtle" is a word that helps describe best what this metallic bracelet watch is really.
This is a family I could buy all the models from as they each bring something different.
Let's make a review of the shots I could gather (from myself or Purists) about the subject.
- The 5711
Some of you know I have a 5712 but, even if I love it, nothing equals the elegance of the blue 5711. I wanted a thin Nautilus and both are alike in that field. But the only 3 hands + date are more restful and it makes an unbelievably peaceful, elegant and fine watch.


The white dial is interesting but I find the dark markers+hands standing out a bit too much compared to the dial. This is what makes it sportier and this is fine when that's what you're looking for, of course.
The original color with blue dial seems to be smoother and more homogeneous.


- The 5712
I won't talk too much about this one, I already made a review, here:
but the 240 caliber and its thinness are worth admiring in the collection.

- The 5726
My favorite sporty of the collection (5711+5712 are more classy than sporty from my taste). The AC complication is starting to be a very interesting one and has a well balanced dial (symmetric). I would say, even if the black dial version is nice, I find this color option a bit "sad" and I much prefer the white dial offer.






- The 5980
As for the 5726, I prefer the 5980 white dial which I find very attractive. The watch + bracelet are much thicker and make the watch more bulky. It is perfect for a large wrist or for someone who likes a watch with a lot of presence. In that way, we are certainly in a clearly different field form the 5711/5712 couple.

Let's also mention the 2 novelties in mix steel/rose gold and the full rose gold versions. Again, Patek matched perfectly the colors with the material and spirit of the watch.
I hope we'll be able to see full rose gold used for other versions of the family, especially the 5711.


The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5711/1A is a specific configuration within the Complications model line. This particular reference is identified by its serial number 5914840, with a movement number 6084863.
The watch is presented in a stainless steel case, indicated by the "/1A" suffix. No specific details regarding the crystal material or movement architecture are provided.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe Complications model in stainless steel. Its specific serial and movement numbers are documented for identification purposes.
cheers fernando
Ooh I'll bite...what would I like to see, Nautilus-wise, at SIHH? Well! I've recently finally got around to trying on a 5711 and a 5712 and, well, it was pretty much love at first sight. Mrs Esharp has a Royal Oak chronograph and I've always admired that design - but couldn't fall in love with it, not even the new 15202. There's something about the way every RO sits on my wrist that just isn't right. But the Nautilus - phwoar! Even my better half, who is ideologically wedded to the design purity
That's an interesting thought, thanks for sharing. I think I agree with your suggestions, I'm sure you'll get cought and will take the plunge, keep us in touch! Cheers, Mark
I love my new 5711 (1 month old). I stare at it all the time, and always wipe down the bezel to keep it nice, shiny and smear free!
2,837 Patek Philippe listings are live on the eBay market and 1721 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 31 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →