Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
I think they are two different offers, for different use and style.
When one is quite into watches, the blue dial is something quite unique about the Nautilus line. The way Patek makes these multi-layer dial colorations (or galvanization for this model) is something that not many watch maker make today.
The blue color has a special place in the Nautilus line-up but I don't think that one should choose blue just because it was the original color or the one we see most. A Nautilus doesn't have to be blue.
Someone prefering the white one but taking blue because that's what seems to be the most popular layout on forums might make a mistake. The value keeping may be different but we prefer talking about the interest of the watche's elements and leave each owner deal with its purchase process (though we can always give a few advice).
That's why I think that the blue dial is more discreet, more classy and will merge more easily with a suit or will be more discreet on a wrist while I think the beautiful white one will bring a much more casual touch to the watch and will make the watch more visible in the sense that it will be an accessory to the attire you wear it with.
So, 2 different dials for different ways of wearing the watch.
Hence, if you are not sure about how you would wear it, I would suggest you take a little more time to imagine yourself with these watches, try to have a look at them if you can see them.
For instance, I would get the 5711 in blue, the 5980 in white and a 5726 in white too (though the black dial looks great too). It depends on the wearer and the watch but everytime you'll ask on a forum you'll get the blue answer. This doesn't mean this is what you'll like wearing.
The white dial is a little more "opaline" thus has a iridescent shine (like the 5960A white dial model), it is not just white. Same for the blue dial though it looks less irridescent, certainly due to the darker color.
The white dial will make the watch look a little bigger. This is also something you might take into account.
Enjoy your journey choosing such a Nautilus, this is a fantastic watch to wear regularly.
I hope this helps 
Best, Mark
5711 Blue vs White
Dear all, this is a dilemma that has been bothering me... Well, it's not like it's easy to find either in stock anywhere on this planet right now. I have a question for you all... It's quite obvious (at least from what I'm reading online) that the Blue di...
I have the blue one and just refused the white one.
Reasons are history and I simply love the blue dial. For me the white one is "flat". But hey, take what you like. Why would you care about the opinion of others? Best, Kari
Kari is absolutely right
The original design of the Nautilus is mimicking a porthole. Darker dial complements perfectly the vertically brushed bezel. Under certain light conditions, the bezel will reflect light so beautifully that you can spot a Nautilus on somebody's wrist from ...
Both amazing
White sportier and more casual in my opinion. Blue more sober and elegant sporty. There is no better or worse in my opinion, just choose what fits your desires and lifestyle the most! Doesn't matter what others think.
Both are beautiful and worthy dials.....
today I choose to look at this the following way: Blue more relaxed, white adheres to higher standards , I would wear 5711 with a blue dial for a walk on a treadmill and the white dial for an important meeting with the president of my company. Cheers Edwa...
The blue dial looks much better and a better investment.
There's also more history with the blue dial. The white dial is flat and too "polar" in my opinion. Now if I can get my hands on one without paying out the a** and/or waiting forever!
VERY, VERY SUBJECTIVE....
The guys who want it as an "investment" piece tend to prefer the blue due to the reasons you mentioned. Personally, I prefer the white, as it is rarer and much crisper, IMO. -Dean
My impression is that while the blue is still preferred by a majority more and more people are starting to appreciate the white.
For me both are superb. The blue (which is really more gray than blue at least in recent production) looks pretty spectacular in day light or in a well lit room. At night or in a dimly lit room the dial appears dark gray and for me that is not nearly as p...
White....the more people say blue the more we think it's better and that adds to the scarcity which makes it more attractive and and and...
I found the blue underwhelming and it's gone....now the blue on the P is completely different story!
You like what you like. Forget all else, and go with your preference...
Ignore investment potential (vastly overrated; and in truth, probably non-existent for this piece). Ignore what others think you should do. Go with whatever instills the strongest desire. And now, after that advice, I will, ironically, tell you my prefere...
White, for sure.
Play with it and you will understand. I do respect the voice of the majority, as the blue model is also beautiful. But I think some people just prefer to stick with the 'tradition' and oppose the new. But there are others who really appreciate the white -...
IMO the deciding factor is to see ...
both in the metal and see which one sings more to you. Given their rarity, you might have to see them separately or have a GTG with PuristS owner(s). Good luck and let us know what you decide. Cheers, Gordon
Interestingly until very recently there was a price difference between the two in the "black market"
I have now noticed that there is not much difference in the pricing between the two; the blue was more expensive by a few thousands. I think it shows that the preferences are changing and the white is becoming just as popular, or is it that because people...
Good point. When Christie's held the 4th and final segment in NY of its Nautilus 40th anniversary tribute auction, there were a blue and
a white, both Tiffany. They sold for the exact same price.
I have handled both blue 5712 and white 5711
I was initially after the blue dial. Actually I am on the wait list for both white and blue dials right now. Without seeing either in person, I wanted the blue dial because of the iconic status and the desirability factor among the collectors. However, af...
Wow! Thanks for the responses.
I anticipated a lot of responses and appreciated every single one! This is an emotional, yet somewhat logical, decision. The history of it pulls me toward blue, but my heart wants white. Hahaha. I guess at the end of the day I will get whichever arrives a...
I think they are two different offers, for different use and style.
When one is quite into watches, the blue dial is something quite unique about the Nautilus line. The way Patek makes these multi-layer dial colorations (or galvanization for this model) is something that not many watch maker make today. The blue color has...
This is fantastic.....
I really like this write up Mark in Paris. Makes me long for a Nautilus. Thanks a lot. Best Regards Edward
It is a matter of taste
We can surely "t hink" that a watch's dial colour is or is not acceptable size-wise or in line with current fashion or in (perceived) good taste. We can have our thoughts based on what we believe is a set of accepted, pre-set norms in terms of dial colour...
Agree.
Additionally, when considering style and fashion, history remains the final arbiter. Many times today's "ugly duckling" becomes tomorrow's prized swan. Likewise the darling of the moment may prove dated and cringeworthy viewed decades later. Remember thos...
Even that view is an objective subjectivity which can hurt people's feelings
See it, see the discussion like this:Imagine you enter a cocktail party with a swan under your arm. Do you know whether there a swan lovers in the room? Or people with Anatidaephobia? I think everyone should decide for him or herself whether the duckling ...
My brain hurts reading this. [nt]
I'll just change my comments to "I like them both but I prefer the blue"
That is fine
As long as you accept that even a preference can be seens as an opinion which can hurt other peoples feelings who might naturally be inclined towards the other colour or an entirely different colour altogether. It is dangerous to state ones "opinion" with...