I think social media has untold impact on this watch, and not just among the general population but among collectors too.

May 17, 2019,17:15 PM
 

The hype around the Nautilus is greatest among collectors and enthusiasts.  In addition the increased socialization of watch collectors via RedBar, Hodinkee and other influencer and collector group meet-ups has generated more interest and momentum for some watches than any forum can ever do.  Seeing these watches in the metal, on a live wrist of a peer, will get your wallet out quicker than any picture shared on here I think. 


But to the article, it hits on two points I’ve repeated many times here and elsewhere regarding my affection for the Nautilus. First, like the 911, or the Submariner, or the Royal Oak, the Nautilus is a classic design that has survived the test of time.  For that reason alone it is extremely appealing.  Second, something I’ve learned with ownership, it’s an extremely versatile watch which is something not many watches truly have.  


More posts: 911nautilusPorscheRoyal Oak

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

What makes a nautilus so appealing!

 
 By: Saz : May 17th, 2019-10:44
I read this thread: https: // thewatchbaron . com/2019/05/17/why-is-the-nautilus-so-hot/ I think that Baron has a point but one other thing is social media phenomena: Without it all of the watch collecting and brand recognition wouldn’t have been the same... 

Number 5 is the real one for most owners, even so-called enthusiasts. It's just like everything... follow the herd.

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : May 17th, 2019-11:27
I could compare all current models against each other and IMO these watches aren't worth the hype.

Gerald Genta "aura"

 
 By: cazalea : May 17th, 2019-11:52
might get some to buy this watch, but in my opinion, he had as many few misses as well as hits... which is not to say that I don't have (and love) some of his watches. Cazalea ...  

reduce the price of the steel models to 15-20K and stop the ridiculous and artifical 15 years waiting lists...and let's see the impact on the demand...

 
 By: Izhik : May 17th, 2019-12:06
I guess for one year, the market will boom...but then slowly, interest will basically just decrease... in terms of horology, the Nautilus is matched to other similar watches from other high-end brands, it's the sort of game PP plays that their products ar... 

😃... [nt]

 
 By: Izhik : May 17th, 2019-13:43

A collector that thinks with his brain.

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : May 18th, 2019-02:46
I‘m surprised!

I remember having the opportunity to buy one too...

 
 By: kennygfunk : May 17th, 2019-12:36
At the time, it was expensive, but less than half what I see most list prices for now. Instead, I pulled the trigger on an offshore, which I prefer more for personal reasons. Anyway, the craze has me kicking myself in the butt. Then, I find myself thinkin... 

For some of us the story goes way back...

 
 By: Centurionone : May 17th, 2019-14:00
I was I my early teens when the Nautilus came out and I was instantly attracted to it.. I distinctly remember asking my dad if I could have it not knowing the brand or the cost at the time . I cut out the adverts from the magazines and saved it for a long... 

I think social media has untold impact on this watch, and not just among the general population but among collectors too.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 17th, 2019-17:15
The hype around the Nautilus is greatest among collectors and enthusiasts. In addition the increased socialization of watch collectors via RedBar, Hodinkee and other influencer and collector group meet-ups has generated more interest and momentum for some... 

Hard to disagree with the points you are making.

 
 By: als1678 : May 17th, 2019-18:50
But they were valid 5 or 10 years ago. They don't really explain the demand. The Nautilus is not a hidden gem that was certainly rediscovered due to the internet. I keep hearing stories of people buying Nautilus in the used market, in any condition, despi... 

Re 5-10 years ago...

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 18th, 2019-04:54
I actually don’t think that social media / IG and the socialization of collectors and enthusiasts was as relevant even 5 years ago let alone 10. I think this is a recent factor driving the hype.

I meant being iconic, versatile.

 
 By: als1678 : May 18th, 2019-16:49
Social media obviously has had a big impact in the past few years but I disagree with you on collectors being the main buyers. Speculators play much more prominent role in pushing prices up. Unfortunately neither one of us has data on who the buyers are s... 

"Seeing these watches in the metal, on a live wrist of a peer, will get your wallet out quicker than any picture shared on here I think."

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : May 18th, 2019-01:05
Actually the Nautilus is extremely photogenic, stunning on photos but very underwhelming in the flesh. Can't image the wallet would open faster if there was no hype around.

Especially the blue which ends up not being

 
 By: Patekphilippecollector : May 18th, 2019-02:14
Blue...

Silver?

 
 By: Patekphilippecollector : May 18th, 2019-07:31
...  

You got me. [nt]

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 18th, 2019-12:01

I always liked the 3712/5712 from a design standpoint... in the flesh I was not very satisfied and it didn't match all the hype. And no, I had very low expectations.

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : May 18th, 2019-02:23
Shortly after I tried all current models I tried on a Grand Seiko for not even tenth of the market price of a 5711 and it was literally equally finished with exception of the movement but a face that is a step ahead. Personally I deny the Nautilus to be a... 

Finish in my opinion has nothing to to do with the design being iconic.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 18th, 2019-05:05
I’m a big fan of GS, if you’ve seen any of my posts, and so I completely follow your point. But the level of finishing, or lack of it, on the Nautilus is I think not the point. It’s the overall design, what you see from two feet away when you look at your... 

I mentioned the level of finish to back up my opinion on why I don't think these watches are worth the hype and fuss.

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : May 18th, 2019-06:19
I find the 3-hand-design very pale. Then there is the execution and the feel I didn't like. It's not that it's a bad watch but there are many other watches that I would take first. Maybe that's just me as I don't have any social pressure to crave for some... 

so to be clear what you have said

 
 By: ruudvan639 : May 18th, 2019-06:28
1) People who don't have a brain and don't think collector will buy a Nautilus 2) People who are weak and who feel social pressure will buy a Nautilus Pour la merit why are you on the Patek sight when you are so negative

One, I will disagree with the “underwhelming”.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : May 18th, 2019-04:59
I am not a Patek fanboy, and I have plenty of criticism for the Nautilus but personally (and of course your opinion is a personal one too and I respect that) I think in the metal and on the wrist the watch surpassed my expectations. Re the wallet; it’s a ... 

Great write up

 
 By: keks : May 18th, 2019-08:31
Personally I am and have been a fan of the Nautilus range for many years. Got my first Patek in 2008, a 5711 and have since had different iterations and the only one that has stuck with me is my 5980/1A... they are all great in their own ways but the one ... 

I tend to agree with Baron and Keks.

 
 By: BMR : May 18th, 2019-08:55
I’ve owned a lot of sport style, casual elegant, and tool watches over the years from many different manufacturers. Based on being here for a while and seeing/reading a lot of our member’s posts, I’m sure many of you have had even more experience in this ... 

I think there’s this growing thinking that these pieces are investment worthy

 
 By: Mohannad (aka Riddler) : May 18th, 2019-13:56
In the past 4 months alone the 5980 went up 50% than the original 100% mark up The flip happens between dealers inflating the process along with social media heavy heavy influence Now it’s a status symbol to have any kind of nautilus In December I was off...