Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
Designed by the horological legend Gérald Genta, the 1976 Patek Philippe Nautilus burst onto the watchmaking scene as Patek Philippe's first steel sports watch. Sealing the case from water were two 'ears' that gave the Nautilus its distinctive shape, whilst the integrated bracelet was like no Patek Philippe seen before.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
History
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a legendary timepiece that has captivated watch aficionados since its 1976 debut. With its unique design and extraordinary craftsmanship, the Nautilus is one of the original luxury steel sports watches—alongside another Genta masterpiece, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
The Nautilus emerged during the quartz crisis—a period when the Swiss watch industry was grappling with the emergence of battery-powered watches. To redefine the brand and attract a younger audience, Patek Philippe called on celebrated watch designer Gérald Genta to craft an automatic sports watch that merged style with utility.
The story goes that Genta designed the Nautilus after enjoying dinner on a ship where he was inspired by its portholes—hence the Nautilus’ distinctive case. The octagonal shape, rounded corners, and horizontally embossed dial make the watch instantly recognisable. The integrated bracelet adds to its sporty yet refined looks.
The Nautilus has grown to become Patek Philippe’s most desirable model, if not its most expensive. It signifies the watchmaker’s devotion to innovation and modernity while preserving its legacy of traditional Swiss watchmaking. The Nautilus is available in various models—from date-only versions to chronographs—catering to the diverse preferences and requirements of watch collectors.
One of the most sought-after models in the Nautilus range is the discontinued reference 5711. This iconic watch, featuring just the standard time and date, was a hit thanks to its likeness to the 1976 original and because of its understated dial. It was discontinued in 2022 after which Patek unveiled its replacement, the 5811.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 is another great choice. This stunning timepiece boasts a chronograph function to accurately record lapsed time, while for something even more luxurious and technically accomplished, there’s the 5740/1G—a perpetual calendar in white gold.
Besides the standard models, Patek Philippe also offers special editions in its Nautilus line. These limited-edition timepieces feature unique designs, exclusive materials, and often pay tribute to significant moments in the brand's history. From striking dial colours to rare case materials, these are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
A notable limited-edition model is the 5976-1G. Released in 2016 to celebrate the Nautilus’ 40th anniversary, this chronograph is the largest watch in the Nautilus family at 44mm. It’s limited to just 1,300 pieces. The limited-edition 5711 model in steel with a turquoise-blue dial stamped with the name of the jeweller Tiffany is also extremely sought-after, with one selling for $6.5m dollars at a charity auction in 2021.
Whether you prefer a classic stainless-steel model or a more luxurious piece in precious metal, the Nautilus range offers a diverse selection to match every taste and style. With their timeless design and exceptional quality, these watches are truly a testament to Patek Philippe's reputation as one of the world's finest watchmakers.
We offer a range of pre-owned Patek Philippe Nautilus watches which showcase the watchmaker’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or a first-time buyer, we’ll have a pre-owned Nautilus in our extensive selection that’s perfect for you.
Popular Patek Philippe Nautilus Models
Nautilus 5711
Introduced in 2006 in stainless steel, and at 40mm slightly smaller than the original reference 3700, the 5711 is easily one of the most sought-after Nautilus models ever released. Originally featuring a blue-black gradient dial with signature horizontal grooves, this was later followed by opaline-white and olive-green dial versions. It later became available in platinum and rose gold, several with gem-clad bezels. A turquoise blue-dialled version in steel featuring the logo of the jeweller Tiffany, limited to 170 pieces, was released to huge fanfare in 2021 and is considered a final farewell to the 5711 series. The 5711 used three different Patek calibres over the course of its production.
Nautilus 5712
The Nautilus reference 5712 was released in 2006 alongside the 5711, and was a replacement for the similar but short-lived 3712—the first Nautilus with a moonphase complication. In addition to the moonphase, it boasts a small-seconds subdial between 3 and 6 o’clock, an analogue date display between 6 and 9 o’clock, and a power reserve indicator between 10 and 11 o’clock. Since its launch it has been offered in stainless steel, white gold and rose gold, with the two precious metal versions coming on an integrated leather strap rather than a bracelet. Its case diameter is the same as the 5711. The reference 5712 is equipped with a Caliber 240 PS IRM C LU automatic movement with micro-rotor.
Nautilus 5980
Another legendary classic released in 2006, the reference 5980 was the first of the Nautilus series to feature a chronograph complication, as well as a date window at 3 o’clock. It was renowned for its dial simplicity, with the 12-hour and 60-minute chronograph displays integrated into a concentric monocounter at 6 o’clock. It first appeared in steel with a blue-grey gradient dial, followed by rose gold, white gold and two-tone versions. The 5980 comes equipped with the automatic calibre CH-28-520 C movement.
Nautilus 5726
Unveiled in 2010, the Nautilus reference 5726 is an annual calendar with an additional 24-hour display and moonphase incorporated into the 6 o’clock subdial. The annual calendar is displayed via a day and month display below 12 o’clock and a small date aperture at 6 o’clock. The blue-black gradient dial is a nod to the original Nautilus from the 1970s, but there are versions with a white dial and a grey-black gradient dial, the latter coming on an integrated black leather strap in addition to a bracelet. It’s powered by the Calibre 324 S QA LU24H.
Nautilus 5990
One of the most function-packed Nautilus models, the reference 5990, known as the Travel Time Chronograph, was launched in 2014 and is highly sought after. It features an additional hour hand for the second time zone, a flyback chronograph and day and night indicators on either side of the dial for both the local and home times. The dial layout is nicely balanced thanks to the circular date display directly above the 60-minute chronograph display. There is no running seconds, although the central chronograph seconds hand can be used as such. The stainless-steel version with a grey-black gradient dial was replaced by a blue-black dial version in 2022, while the more prestigious 18k rose-gold version, launched in 2021, features a deep blue dial. It runs on the Calibre 28-520 C FUS.
Nautilus 5740
The reference 5740 in 18k white gold is the first Grand Complication in the Nautilus family and the most technically accomplished model in the series. Launched in 2018, it features a perpetual calendar displayed across three subdials, as well as a second time zone integrated into the subdial at 3 o’clock and a moonphase display. The slender automatic Calibre 240 Q, with a height of just 3.88mm thanks to its microrotor, helps make the reference 5740 Patek Philippe’s thinnest perpetual calendar to date¬, a significant achievement.
Nautilus 5811
The Nautilus reference 5811, launched in 2022, replaced the successful 5711 as the standard time-and-date version in the collection, but is offered only in white gold. It retains the gradient blue-black dial synonymous with the first-generation Nautilus models, but at 41mm its case diameter is a millimetre larger than its predecessor. It also saw subtle improvements made to the bracelet, while the self-winding Calibre 26 330 S C is the same as that found in the last generation of the 5711.
Nautilus 3800
The follow-up reference to the original 3700 designed by Gerald Genta, Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus reference 3800 in 1981. Unlike the 3700, which was powered by a modified Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre, the 3800 came with a new in-house movement. With a significantly reduced case diameter of 37.5mm, down from 42mm, it was meant to bring the Nautilus design to a larger audience and came in a wider range of configurations—even an incredibly rare batch of 10 rose gold versions. This reference also added a seconds hand, noticeably absent from the 3700.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Celebrities
As one of the most sought-after watches on the planet, there is an abundance of celebrities who own at least one Patek Philippe Nautilus—everyone from Formula One sensation, Lewis Hamilton to former-Spice-Girl-turned-fashion-designer, Victoria Beckham.
The latter has a few Nautiluses in her collection, including the stunning rose-gold 7118/1200R with a golden brown opaline dial and a bezel set with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds. Hamilton, on the other hand, has opted for the sporty yet luxurious yellow-gold Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R. Legendary footballer, Lionel Messi, is another sporting icon who has been spotted wearing the same Nautilus Chronograph, making it a popular choice among the sporting elite.
British musician and superstar, Ed Sheeran is a big watch enthusiast, as proven by his extensive collection which includes the highly coveted Nautilus Tiffany 5711/1A-018. This was the most talked about watch back in 2020 and it ignited a craze for watches with similar Tiffany-blue coloured dials.
Someone who certainly knows how to kickstart a trend is the youngest Kardashian/Jenner sister, Kylie Jenner. Used to flaunting her life and wealth to the world via TV show, Keeping up with the Kardashians and her social media accounts, Jenner has been spotted wearing the ultra-glamorous Nautilus 5719/10G-010. Set with 1,343 diamonds, this white-gold model is the ultimate showstopper.
Patek Philippe Nautilus TV and Movie Appearances
Considering the Nautilus is a timepiece that’s out of most people’s budgets, it’s hardly surprising that when it does appear on-screen, it’s worn by characters who aren’t short on cash. Take the Roy family from HBO’s hit TV drama, Succession, which explores the angst around the future of fictional family-owned global media empire, Waystar Royco, founded by billionaire patriarch, Logan Roy (played by Brian Cox). Son of Logan, Kendall Roy, has an enviable watch collection, a highlight of which is his Nautilus 5711/1A in steel with a blue dial.
From one wealthy on-screen family to another, this time it’s the Hornimans from Guy Ritchie’s 2024 TV action-comedy, The Gentlemen. Main character, Eddie Horniman (played by Theo James) inherits a large fortune as well as an illicit drug empire after his aristocrat father passes away. We’re not entirely sure whether his rose-gold Patek Philippe Nautilus chronograph 5990, was bought with his new-found money or passed down to him from his late father, but this status symbol piece successfully signifies his new role as lord of the manor.
Another Guy Ritchie film, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023), also features a Nautilus. It’s worn by movie star, Danny Franscesco (played by Josh Harnett), who has been recruited by a top spy to help stop the sale of a new weapons technology. Franscesco’s Nautilus is a fine choice for a successful Hollywood actor. In yellow gold, it features a white dial, an annual calendar and a moonphase display.
FAQs?
Why is the Nautilus so expensive?
The Nautilus is one of Patek Philippe’s most expensive watch collections, whether it’s a basic stainless-steel time-and-date model or a perpetual calendar in white gold.
Besides its scarcity, with only several thousand made per year, there are several reasons for the Nautilus’ high prices.
The Nautilus is one of the most recognisable watches in the industry, with a unique porthole-style case construction and a horizontally embossed dial—two features that unite all models within the Nautilus range.
Although the first-generation Nautilus was equipped with a modified Jaeger-LeCoultre movement, all modern versions run on one of the brand’s several in-house calibres, which carry the Patek Philippe Seal, the watch industry's most exclusive and stringent hallmark of quality.
In-house calibres will always add to the expense of a watch as the brand has spent significant amount of time and money to develop their own movements, rather than source them externally.
The movement itself features a 21k gold rotor visible through the open caseback. Although visually appealing, the extra weight of a gold rotor ensures optimum winding efficiency. All contemporary Nautilus feature this gold winding rotor, engraved with the brand’s Calatrava cross logo. Other proprietary components, such as the Spiromax balance spring made from Slinivar, have ensured Patek Philippe stays at the cutting edge of movement technology.
Several Nautilus models come with some of the industry’s most hard to master complications, such as a perpetual calendar and a flyback chronograph. These models, whether new or pre-owned, tend to be among the most expensive in the Nautilus collection—although the Tiffany-signed edition in stainless-steel with a turquoise dial, which features no more than the standard time and date, can command well over $1m due to its rarity.
The Nautilus integrated bracelet, which comes with most models, is in itself a design classic, and is one of the finest and most comfortable ever designed. It comes with a patented fold-over clasp with lockable adjustment system.
How hard is the Nautilus to get hold of?
In general, brand-new Patek Philippe watches are hard to get, with the brand thought to produce little more than 60,000 watches a year. This limited production contributes to the exclusivity of all their watches, especially the Nautilus, which has been the most in-demand Patek Philippe model of recent years.
Buying any new Nautilus model directly from an authorised dealer or a Patek Philippe boutique almost certainly requires being put on a waiting list of up to eight years. Pre-owned Nautilus models, however, are far easier to find, but expect to pay significantly more than the retail price.
Comparisons with other luxury watches
Royal Oak – Often mentioned in the same breath, the Nautilus and the Royal Oak have much in common. Both designed by the legendary Gerald Genta in the 1970s, they began as time-and-date luxury steel sports models before eventually expanding into full collections that included other complications and materials. Both watches have a distinctive dial pattern, unusually shaped cases and integrated bracelets. They are two of the most influential watch designs of the past decade, with countless brands copying the look. In general, Nautilus models tend to command higher prices than the Royal Oak.
Overseas – Launched in 1996 as a direct successor to the brand’s similar 222 model from 1977, the Overseas is another example of a luxury steel sports watch. As, with the Nautilus and Royal Oak, the Overseas started as a simple time-and-date model before the wider collection began incorporating more prestigious complications, such as a chronograph, second time zone or perpetual calendar. Although it comes on an integrated bracelet, the Overseas boasts a more conventional case shape, albeit with a sculpted bezel that subtly acknowledges the brand’s Maltese cross logo.
Submariner – With their maritime names, the Nautilus and Submariner sound like they belong in the same category of watches. Yet the Submariner is a professional sports watch equipped for scuba diving while the Nautilus generally offers far less water resistance—usually between 60 and 120 metres, depending on the model. The Nautilus is considered a more premium model and is the dressier option with its elegant slim case and horizontally embossed dial. As a dive watch, the Submariner also comes with a rotating ceramic bezel for timing dives, which doesn’t feature on the Nautilus. Both watches originally came in steel before the respective collections expanded to include precious-metal versions. In general, prices for the Nautilus far exceed those of the Submariner, and the Submariner is made in far higher numbers, making it more easily available.
