The modern Nautilus flagship in 18k white gold, featuring a blue-to-black gradient dial and integrated precious-metal bracelet.

PATEK PHILIPPE NAUTILUS
The Nautilus has paired a porthole-inspired case, integrated bracelet, and horizontally embossed dial since 1976. Time-only, annual-calendar, chronograph, Travel Time, and perpetual-calendar references differ dramatically in movement, thickness, availability, and price.
Model History & Buyer Guide
Nautilus: Reference Numbers Define Far More Than the Dial
From 3700 to 5811
The Nautilus debuted in 1976 with Gérald Genta’s porthole-inspired case and integrated bracelet. The original two-hand 3700, later 3800, long-running 5711, and current white-gold 5811 share the design language but differ in dimensions, movements, case construction, and market profile.
Discontinuation of the steel 5711 made dial and production variants unusually sensitive. A buyer should distinguish standard production from anniversary or final-series watches rather than relying on a generic Nautilus valuation.
A Platform for Complications
The family extends beyond time-only watches. Reference 5712 adds power reserve, date, and moon phase; 5726 adds an annual calendar; 5980 is a flyback chronograph; and 5990 combines Travel Time with a flyback chronograph.
Bracelet wear, polished bezel geometry, dial originality, and complete documentation are critical. Complicated references also require proof that every corrector and indication functions without forcing the mechanism near a calendar changeover.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Price Guide
Indicative secondary-market ranges in US dollars, researched from current market estimates and live dealer listings and updated August 2026. These are not fixed valuations: condition, originality, production year, service history, and completeness can move an individual watch outside the range.
| Reference | Configuration | Typical Pre-Owned Price | Market Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5711/1A | Discontinued steel time-and-date | $105,000 — $132,000 | Dial and production variant can move much higher |
| 5811/1G | Current white-gold time-and-date | $115,000 — $155,000 | Market price remains supply-sensitive |
| 5712/1A | Steel moon phase and power reserve | $105,000 — $140,000 | Bracelet condition and full set matter |
| 5726/1A | Steel annual calendar | $85,000 — $115,000 | Dial and bracelet/strap execution affect price |
| 5990/1A or /1R | Travel Time flyback chronograph | $95,000 — $190,000 | Steel and rose gold occupy different ranges |
Understanding Nautilus
A Nautilus can be a simple two-hander or a grand complication; the exact reference determines both use and service risk.
| Feature | Function | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Porthole case | Uses lateral case ears and rounded octagonal bezel | Over-polishing softens the defining geometry |
| Integrated bracelet | Flows directly from case to clasp | Link count, stretch, and refinishing strongly affect value |
| Embossed dial | Creates the collection’s horizontal texture | Correct color, print, and period are reference-specific |
Reference-Level Buying Checklist
Use the exact reference—not the family name alone—to verify the following points before purchase.
| Check | What to Verify | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Case finish | Sharp transitions between polished and satin surfaces | Factory geometry is difficult to restore after aggressive polishing |
| Reference functions | All displays, pushers, and correctors | Complicated Nautilus service can be lengthy and expensive |
| Provenance | Certificate, archive extract where relevant, and service records | High values make coherent documentation especially important |
Frequently Asked Questions
About Nautilus
Did the 5811 replace the 5711?
It continues the time-and-date idea but is not a direct steel replacement: the 5811 is slightly larger and produced in white gold.
Are all Nautilus watches automatic?
Most familiar modern references are automatic, but the collection’s history includes quartz and varied movement types. Confirm the exact reference.
Why does polishing matter so much?
The Nautilus depends on crisp alternating finishes and a precise bezel profile. Excessive polishing permanently changes those proportions.

NYC Diamond District
Looking for a Specific Nautilus Reference?
Our specialists can compare references, movements, condition, service history, and set completeness. Contact Atlas Luxury for current Nautilus availability or help sourcing a particular configuration.



