Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 Discontinued
About This Watch
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 is widely regarded as the most desirable luxury sports watch ever created. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta in 1976, the Nautilus was inspired by porthole windows on transatlantic ocean liners, featuring a distinctive octagonal bezel with rounded edges and "ears" that extend from the case sides. The 5711/1A was introduced in 2006 with a slightly larger 40mm case compared to the original, and it quickly became the single hardest watch to purchase from any authorized dealer worldwide. The blue-black gradient dial, with its horizontal embossed pattern, is one of the most recognizable dials in watchmaking. The ultra-thin profile of just 8.3mm makes this watch remarkably comfortable despite its sporty design. The caliber 26-330 S C features the Patek Philippe seal, guaranteeing precision of -3/+2 seconds per day and finishing standards that exceed even COSC certification. When Patek Philippe announced the discontinuation of the 5711/1A in January 2021, prices on the secondary market skyrocketed, with examples trading above $130,000 against a retail price of $35,000. The Nautilus 5711 has transcended watchmaking to become a cultural symbol of success, taste, and access to the most exclusive tier of luxury goods.
In-Depth Review
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 requires no introduction. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta in 1976 and discontinued in its steel blue-dial form in 2021, the 5711/1A became the single most coveted wristwatch of the 21st century. Its 40mm stainless steel case with the iconic porthole-shaped bezel and horizontally embossed blue-black gradient dial defined an entire era of luxury sports watches. Powered by the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 26-330 S C, offering date display and a slim profile that belies its 120-meter water resistance, the 5711 proved that Patek Philippe could dominate the steel sports watch category just as convincingly as it rules traditional dress watchmaking.
The buyer profile for the 5711/1A-010 has shifted dramatically since its discontinuation. What was once a watch worn casually by collectors who appreciated its understated elegance has become a trophy asset, traded at auction and among dealers at multiples of its original retail price. With an MSRP that was $35,000 when available through authorized dealers, secondary market prices have stabilized around $130,000, though they have fluctuated significantly higher. This places the 5711 in direct competition not with its natural rivals like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST or the Vacheron Constantin Overseas, but with precious-metal grand complications in terms of actual cost of acquisition.
For the collector considering the 5711/1A at current market prices, the question is whether the cultural significance and rarity justify the premium. The watch itself is mechanically modest, a time-and-date piece with no chronograph, no moonphase, no perpetual calendar. Its value is entirely driven by scarcity, design legacy, and the Patek Philippe name. If you want a Nautilus experience at a more rational price, the newer 5811/1G in white gold offers updated dimensions and current production availability. But if owning a piece of horological history matters to you, the 5711/1A-010 in steel with the blue dial remains the definitive expression of the luxury sports watch genre.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Patek Philippe 26-330 S C |
| Power Reserve | 45 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 29 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 8.3mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, integrated octagonal |
| Dial Color | Blue-Black gradient |
| Lug-to-Lug | 44.5mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 120m / 394ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel integrated bracelet |
| Clasp | Fold-over clasp |
| Weight | 135g |
| Complications |