Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 Blue vs. White Dial

patekova · 2017-03-14T07:03:15Z

Compare the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A blue and white dials. Explore collector preferences, aesthetic differences, and market availability.

For me in daylight or a brightly lit space the blue sparkles in an irrestible way. At night or in a dimly lit room the blue loses some of that brilliance and appears more dark gray and not nearly as appealing. For me, the white is "icy cool" and appears that way regardless of the light.

Bottom line, for me, overall I prefer the blue, but not by much. I also greatly appreciate the historical significance of the blue.

My sense is that the white is gaining a bit in popularity - maybe because it is not quite as difficult to acquire, maybe because it is recognized as being rarer, or just maybe because tastes change and people are developing a greater appreciation of the icy cool white.

So I am wondering how my fellow Forum members feel about each version.

Best, patekova

Key Points from the Discussion

Both blue and white dial 5711s are highly desirable, with the choice often depending on personal collection and lifestyle; the white dial is seen as fresher and sportier, while the blue offers versatility and historical significance.
The blue dial is generally preferred for its elegance, making the watch suitable for more formal occasions, while the white dial, with its blackened elements, offers a sportier, more casual, and youthful aesthetic.
The white dial, when seen in person, is described as very 'fresh' and 'youthful' with more prominent batons, making it ideal for summer and daytime wear, whereas the blue dial excels in the evening for elegance and its historical pedigree.
The blue dial is often favored for staying true to the Nautilus's pedigree and for its stunning appearance, though the white dial is acknowledged for holding its own.
The 5711 is considered a versatile 'sporty casual' watch, suitable for any occasion from swimming to wearing with a suit, and is seen as more refined than a Rolex Submariner.
The blue dial's brilliance in daylight is captivating, but it can appear darker and duller at night, which some argue is appropriate for a sports watch in an evening setting.

The Discussion

Baron - Mr Red

Mar 14, 2017

Great side-by-side

And with the Tiffany on BOTH dials too!!! I think I err to the blue dial. In daylight, it has that appeal. At night time, you suggest it loses a lot of that special blue. I think that is right...it becomes less blue...much duller and darker. Yet, at night time...on a sports watch.....I think that works fine. In comparison, I would see the white dial on a sports watch as a little incongruous for evening. Blue is clear winner for me. But it is a personal taste issue.

patekova

Mar 14, 2017

Thanks Joe! I have a slightly different view on whether 5711 is a "sports" watch.

For me when I think "sports" watch I think Rolex, e.g. Submariner which is in a very loose sense Rolex's version of the 5711, starting with the name "Submariner" vs ""Nautilus". I think of 5711 more in terms of sporty casual. Great to swim in or wear with a suit or tux; but not rugged in the same way as Submariner. No disrespect to Sean Connery, but does a Sub really go with a tux? 5711 is good for any occasion. And much more refined, whatever that means. If price were not an issue and I could o

Baron - Mr Red

Mar 14, 2017

agreed...

....it is more refined than the Sub.....and yes, it probably can get away with a suit more readily than the Rolex. I see Rolex as my go-to sports watch and wouldn't dream of wearing any with a suit or Tux. Yet, with Patek, i need to engineer the mental jump that allows me to see the Nautilus as bridging the gap between sports/casual/formal. I still prefer the blue!

patekova

Mar 14, 2017

Same here as to Rolex being my go to sports watch. Great watch in every way, but Patek is well ... Patek! [nt]

Baron - Mr Red

Mar 14, 2017

in every way, they are not competitors [nt]

Arie - Mr Orange

Mar 14, 2017

Blue is the way for the 5711

I love the sportiness of the white dial a lot so therefore I prefer it on the chronograph. But for the 5711 that blue simply looks like a match made in heaven.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 Blue vs. White Dial

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation