The Nautilus is Patek Philippe's most coveted collection — designed by Gerald Genta in 1976 and trading far above retail ever since Patek discontinued the 5711/1A in 2021. Here's every current and recent Nautilus model with real market pricing.
Steel Nautilus Models
| Model | Ref. | Retail | Market | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nautilus 5711/1A Blue (discontinued) | 5711/1A-010 | $35,070 | $130,000-150,000 | +271-328% |
| Nautilus 5811/1G White Gold | 5811/1G-001 | $77,040 | $180,000-220,000 | +134-186% |
| Nautilus Moon Phase (disc.) | 5712/1A-001 | $48,880 | $110,000-130,000 | +125-166% |
| Nautilus Chronograph (disc.) | 5980/1A-001 | $68,650 | $170,000-190,000 | +148-177% |
| Nautilus Annual Calendar | 5726/1A-014 | $51,950 | $85,000-100,000 | +64-93% |
| Nautilus Travel Time Chrono | 5990/1A-001 | $75,120 | $140,000-160,000 | +86-113% |
Why Are Nautilus Prices So High?
- Scarcity — Patek produces ~65,000 watches per year total (Rolex does 1M+). Steel Nautilus allocation is tiny.
- Discontinuation effect — The 5711 discontinuation in 2021 created a panic-buying frenzy that hasn't subsided.
- Cultural status — The Nautilus has become the #1 "if you know, you know" luxury watch.
- Investment track record — 10-year appreciation: +300-500% depending on reference.
5711 vs 5811: What Changed?
The 5811 replaced the 5711 in 2023. Key differences:
- Size: 41mm vs 40mm
- Case: Updated lug shape, thinner profile
- Movement: Cal. 26-330 SC vs 324 SC
- Material: White gold only (no steel) — massive price barrier
- Retail: $77,040 vs $35,070
The market interprets this clearly: the 5711/1A steel was the people's Nautilus. The 5811 is a rich person's Nautilus. Both are grails.
Is the Nautilus a Good Investment?
Over 5-10 years, discontinued steel Nautilus references have been among the best-performing luxury assets. However, at current premiums (200-300% over retail), the upside is more limited than buying at or near retail. We recommend buying because you love the watch, not purely as an investment.
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