Nautilus References with Investment Appeal

Ref. 5711/1A Discontinued steel icon
40 mm · Stainless steel · Time-only

Modern legend of the steel luxury-sports segment; discontinued status and huge waiting-list history give it strong long-term collector appeal.

Ref. 5712/1A Asymmetrical complication
40 mm · Steel · Power reserve, date & moonphase

Adds quirky dial layout and useful complications to the classic case; production is thinner than 5711/1A, boosting scarcity.

Ref. 5980 (Steel / Rose Gold) Integrated chronograph
40.5 mm · Nautilus chronograph · Integrated bracelet

Combines signature case with in-house chrono; rose-gold 5980/1R in particular is favoured as a statement piece with strong residual demand.

Ref. 5990 (Steel / Rose Gold) Travel Time chrono
41.5 mm · Dual time & chronograph

Highly functional flagship with dual time, date and chronograph in one case; complex and relatively scarce, appealing to advanced Nautilus buyers.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref Popularity

Popularity distribution among European, Emirati, American buyers and a global overview.

European Buyers

Emirati Buyers

American Buyers

Global Overview

Buy Iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus Models

Four legendary & highly desirable Nautilus references.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R
Ref. 5712/1R
40 mm · Rose Gold · Moonphase + PR

Iconic asymmetrical dial with a luxurious RG case; highly collectible & visually distinctive.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 7010/1R
Ref. 7010/1R
32 mm · 18k Roségold · Quartz · Diamond bezel

A refined ladies’ Nautilus with a striking purple dial, diamond-set bezel, and rose gold bracelet.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990A
Ref. 5990/1A
41.5 mm · Steel · Travel Time + Chronograph

The most functional Nautilus: dual time, flyback chrono & date—collector favourite.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 7010G
Ref. 7010/1G
32 mm · White Gold · Diamond bezel

A feminine yet iconic Nautilus; diamond bezel & elegant WG case make it a timeless piece.

Nautilus Case Authenticity Checklist For buyers

A quick visual guide to help buyers identify genuine Patek Philippe Nautilus cases.

Bezel Shape & Proportions

The signature rounded-octagonal bezel must be perfectly symmetrical, evenly curved, and neither too thick nor too thin. Uneven angles or irregular curvature indicate a counterfeit.

High-Quality Brushed Finishing

Authentic Nautilus cases have extremely fine, uniform horizontal brushing. Fake cases often show uneven, rough, or multi-directional finishing.

Sharp, Clean Chamfered Edges

The polished chamfers (edges) should be crisp, even, and perfectly aligned. Over-rounded or sloppy chamfers are a major red flag.

Case Back Font & Engraving Quality

Genuine engravings are razor-sharp, deep, and perfectly aligned. Fakes often have shallow, uneven, or “melted” engraving edges.

Lug Shape, Fit & Alignment

Real Nautilus lugs are precisely curved and perfectly integrated into the case. Misaligned, bulky, or uneven lugs strongly suggest a replica.

Crown & Crown Guard Precision

The crown must sit perfectly flush and rotate smoothly. Guard spacing should be symmetrical with no excess metal.

Factors That Increase Patek Philippe Nautilus Value

A quick overview of what makes certain Nautilus references more expensive.

Factor
Impact on Value
Material (Gold / Platinum)
Precious metals significantly raise the price versus steel references.
Complications
Models with Perpetual Calendar, Moonphase, Travel Time, Chronograph cost far more.
Limited Production
Low annual production creates scarcity, driving collector demand.
Dial Rarity
Special colors (blue, Tiffany, brown sunburst) can multiply market value.
Discontinued References
Discontinued models like 5711/1A surge in value due to collector frenzy.
Box & Papers
Full sets with original papers/box increase resale price dramatically.
Condition
Unpolished, excellent condition pieces command a premium.
Market Hype & Brand Demand
Strong global demand boosts Nautilus prices across all references.

FAQ - Patek Philippe Nautilus

1. How can I tell if a Nautilus is authentic?

Check case finishing, bezel symmetry, dial printing, movement decoration, bracelet quality, serial/paperwork consistency. When in doubt, use a trusted expert or authorized dealer inspection service.

2. Why is the Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive?

Its price is driven by extremely limited production, exceptional finishing, high global demand, and the prestige of the Patek Philippe brand. Scarcity and strong collector interest consistently push values upward.

3. Is the Nautilus hard to buy from authorized dealers?

Yes. Most references have multi-year waiting lists, and some are nearly impossible to obtain at retail. This fuels the high secondary-market prices.

4. Do discontinued Nautilus models increase in value?

Absolutely. Once production stops, scarcity rises sharply. The 5711/1A is the best example, skyrocketing after its discontinuation.

5. Is a steel Nautilus more valuable than gold?

Often yes in the secondary market. Steel Nautilus models are iconic, highly demanded, and much harder to get at retail, making some steel versions more expensive than gold ones.