Collection
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 Reference 5726 represents a significant milestone in the manufacture s annual calendar collection, combining the practical sophistication of an annual calendar with a sleek nautical aesthetic. Introduced as part of Patek Philippe s modern sports-elegant lineup, this reference demonstrates the brand s mastery in creating complicated timepieces that maintain everyday wearability. The 5726 builds upon Patek Philippe s rich heritage of calendar complications, offering collectors a contemporary interpretation of haute horlogerie that bridges the gap between dressy complications and contemporary sports watches.
At the heart of the Reference 5726 beats the exceptional Caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/303, an automatic movement that showcases Patek Philippe s technical prowess in calendar mechanisms. This sophisticated caliber features an annual calendar complication that automatically adjusts for months with 30 and 31 days, requiring manual correction only once per year at the end of February. The movement incorporates a 24-hour indication alongside the traditional calendar functions, displaying day, date, month, and moon phases through elegantly arranged subsidiary dials. The self-winding mechanism ensures consistent power delivery while maintaining the thin profile necessary for the watch s refined proportions.
The 40.5mm stainless steel case presents a contemporary interpretation of classic Patek Philippe design language, featuring clean lines and perfectly executed finishing that exemplifies the manufacture s attention to detail. The striking blue sunburst dial creates remarkable depth and luminosity, with its rich color serving as the foundation for the symmetrically arranged calendar displays. Protected by a sapphire crystal and featuring a fixed smooth bezel, the 5726 balances functionality with aesthetic refinement. For collectors, this reference represents an accessible entry point into Patek Philippe s complicated watch segment while offering the prestige and technical excellence associated with one of horology s most revered manufacturers. The combination of stainless steel construction, practical complications, and distinctive design elements positions the 5726 as a highly desirable piece for both seasoned collectors and those building their first serious watch collection.
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
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!
non WIS people have no idea what watch brand (or price) the 5711 is. But a WIS will spot in a mile away and appreciate it. Just perfect.
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
this wristshot makes it look fantastic. I agree with your second addition there... It's a watch that remains below radar but means so much for people who are into watches. Cheers, Mark
As you know I recently acquired the white dial 5711.... But I also love the Nautilus line and more so now that I own one. I would love to add the 5712 which is one of my favorite watches and it would make a nice contrast with the white 5711. But the 5726 is reeeeall nice as well. 5712 or 5726...It is a hard choice between the two. Best, J.
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 31 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
