Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A-001 Discontinued
About This Watch
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A-001 is considered by many connoisseurs to be the most beautiful Nautilus ever produced. While the 5711 receives the most attention, the 5712 offers significantly more horological substance with its trio of complications: a moon phase display at 7 o'clock, a power reserve indicator at 10 o'clock, and a date sub-dial at 2 o'clock. The caliber 240 PS IRM C LU is a micro-rotor automatic movement that is only 3.88mm thick, enabling the watch to maintain the Nautilus's signature slim profile at 8.52mm despite its additional complications. The blue-black gradient dial with horizontal embossing is broken up by three subsidiary dials that add visual complexity without cluttering the overall design. The moon phase display is rendered in fine detail with a blue sky and gold moon and stars. Discontinued in 2021, the 5712/1A has become extremely sought after, with prices doubling from their already elevated pre-discontinuation levels. For Nautilus enthusiasts who prioritize mechanical sophistication over simplicity, the 5712 represents the ideal expression of the collection: Gerald Genta's iconic design language combined with Patek Philippe's mastery of complications.
In-Depth Review
# The Nautilus 5712/1A-001: A Discontinued Icon's Lasting Appeal
Since its 2006 introduction, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A-001 has occupied a distinct position in haute horlogerie—a stainless steel sports watch elevated by genuine complication rather than superficial decoration. The moonphase, date, and power reserve indicator represent the watch's core value proposition, functions housed within Patek's 240 PS IRM C LU caliber and protected by a sapphire case back. What truly defines this piece, however, is its design restraint. The integrated octagonal bezel and 40mm case diameter follow Gerald Genta's original Nautilus vocabulary, while the blue-black gradient dial avoids the ostentation common to moonphase watches. At 8.5mm thick and water-resistant to 60 meters, the 5712/1A-001 functions as a legitimate daily tool, not merely a display piece.
The ideal owner of this discontinued reference is the seasoned collector who values substantive watchmaking over marketing narratives. This watch appeals to those seeking complications without compromise—individuals willing to forgo the recognizability of a simple time-only Nautilus for the intellectual satisfaction of functional dials and genuine horological content. The 48-hour power reserve and 21,600 vph frequency underscore Patek Philippe's manufacturing discipline.
In the $90,000 secondary market reality, the 5712/1A-001 competes with alternatives like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar. Where those references demand substantially higher prices, the Nautilus offers balanced complications at relative accessibility—a positioning that explains its persistent desirability among collectors despite
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Patek Philippe 240 PS IRM C LU |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph |
| Jewels | 29 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 8.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, integrated octagonal |
| Dial Color | Blue-Black gradient |
| Lug-to-Lug | 44.5mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 60m / 197ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel integrated bracelet |
| Clasp | Fold-over clasp |
| Weight | 135g |
| Complications |