Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A

Name: Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A
Brand: Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe SA, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gérald Genta reportedly sketched it in under five minutes. The Patek Philippe Nautilus - inspired by a ship's porthole - was first introduced in 1976. Its modern incarnation, the Ref. 5711/1A, became the most sought-after luxury watch on the planet. Made of stainless steel and retailing for about $35,000, it routinely sold on the secondary market for three to four times that. When Patek discontinued it in 2021, prices went stratospheric. A Tiffany Blue dial variant sold for $6,500,000.

Quick Value Summary


Item	Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-010
Year	2006–2021 (discontinued)
Category	Watches - Modern Luxury
Manufacturer	Patek Philippe
Original Retail	~$35,000
Condition Range
Used, Watch-Only	$100,000+
Good Condition, Full Set	$130,000 – $160,000
Unworn/Sealed, Full Set	$160,000 – $250,000
Tiffany Blue Dial (170 made)	$500,000 – $6,500,000
Record Sale	$6,500,000 (Tiffany Blue, Phillips 2021)
Rarity	Rare (limited production, discontinued)

The Story

In 1976, the Swiss watch industry was fighting for survival. Quartz watches from Japan were cheaper and more accurate. Luxury mechanical watches seemed obsolete. Into this crisis, Patek Philippe released something provocative: a luxury sports watch made of stainless steel, priced higher than many gold watches. It made no sense. That was the point.

The original Nautilus (Ref. 3700/1A) proved that a steel watch could be luxurious. It was the metal and the finishing that mattered, not just the material. The porthole-shaped case, the horizontally embossed dial, the integrated bracelet - they were unmistakable.

The 5711/1A, introduced in 2006, became the modern embodiment of this philosophy. At 40mm with its blue gradient dial, it was simultaneously simple and impossible to get. Authorized dealers had multi-year waiting lists. The secondary market premium grew to 3x, then 4x retail. Patek Philippe couldn't - or chose not to - increase production.

In January 2021, Patek discontinued the 5711/1A, replacing it with the white gold 5811/1G. The announcement sent secondary market prices soaring. Then came the Tiffany Blue dial - 170 pieces made exclusively for Tiffany & Co. to celebrate the retailer's partnership with Patek Philippe. The first one auctioned by Phillips sold for $6.5 million, with proceeds going to The Nature Conservancy.

How to Identify It

Key Features

40mm stainless steel case with the signature porthole "ears" on either side
Blue gradient dial with horizontal embossed pattern
Integrated stainless steel bracelet - no gap between case and bracelet
Date window at 3 o'clock
Screw-down transparent caseback showing the caliber 26-330 S C movement
120m water resistance

Dial Variants

Standard blue dial (most common, most produced)
Tiffany Blue dial (170 pieces, $500,000+)
Other limited editions may exist with different dial colors

Full Set vs. Watch-Only

A "full set" means: watch, original box, outer box, warranty card, certificate of origin, and all documentation. The warranty card is especially important - it confirms the watch's authenticity and original sale date. A full set commands a $20,000+ premium over a watch-only sale.

Value (2025 Market)

Configuration	Value
Watch-only, used	$100,000+
Full set, good condition	$130,000 – $160,000
Full set, unworn	$160,000 – $250,000
Tiffany Blue dial	$500,000 – $6,500,000

Market context: The 5711/1A retailed for about $35,000. At $130,000-$160,000 on the secondary market, buyers are paying a 3-4x markup. This premium exists because Patek Philippe produced limited quantities, demand is global, and the model is now discontinued with no direct stainless steel replacement.

Trend: Prices peaked at $200,000+ shortly after discontinuation in 2021. They've settled to $130,000-$160,000 by 2025. Still extraordinary for a stainless steel watch.

Authentication & Fakes

The 5711/1A is one of the most counterfeited luxury watches in the world. "Super clones" have become extremely sophisticated.

Patek Philippe hallmarks and Geneva Seal on the movement are critical to verify
Serial number should match Patek Philippe's records
Full documentation set (box, papers, warranty card, certificate) should be verified against known Patek formats
Dial quality - examine the horizontal embossing pattern and gradient under magnification. Fakes often get this slightly wrong
Bracelet finishing - genuine Patek bracelets have exceptional finishing that counterfeiters struggle to replicate
Purchase through authorized dealers or reputable auction houses. At $130,000+, authentication is mandatory
Beware of deals. If someone offers a 5711/1A significantly below market, walk away

Where to Sell

Phillips / Christie's / Sotheby's - Regular watch auctions with established clientele
Authorized Patek Philippe dealers - Some facilitate pre-owned sales
Chrono24 - Active market for modern luxury watches
Specialist luxury watch dealers - Established pre-owned dealers with authentication expertise

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Common Questions

How much is a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 worth?

In 2025, $130,000 to $160,000 for a standard blue dial with full set. Watch-only: $100,000+. Tiffany Blue dial: $500,000 to $6,500,000.

Why is a stainless steel watch worth $130,000?

The Nautilus proves that value in watches isn't about the metal - it's about design, finishing, brand prestige, and scarcity. Patek Philippe's limited production, multi-year waitlists, and discontinuation created extraordinary demand.

Is the Nautilus still being made?

The stainless steel 5711/1A was discontinued in 2021. Patek replaced it with the white gold 5811/1G, which retails for significantly more. The Nautilus line continues in other metals and complications.

Will prices go up or down?

Nobody knows. Prices peaked post-discontinuation and have settled. Long-term, Patek Philippe watches generally hold or appreciate in value, but short-term fluctuations are normal.