A Savard buying guide for collectors and first-time buyers
Why the 5711 Matters
The Nautilus 5711 is, by most measures, the single most important luxury sports watch of the last two decades. Designed by Gérald Genta and introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700, the Nautilus was Patek Philippe's answer to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak — a luxury watch that could be worn with a suit or on a yacht, without apology.
The 5711 was introduced in 2006 to mark the Nautilus's 30th anniversary, succeeding the original 3700 and the transitional 3800. It brought a modernised three-part case construction, a screwed sapphire caseback, and a subtly refined dial. For fifteen years it defined what collectors wanted. When Patek Philippe discontinued the 5711/1A in 2021, the market response was immediate and dramatic — waiting lists that had already stretched for years became permanently closed, and secondary market prices surged well past retail.
Today, the 5711 remains one of the most liquid and recognisable references in all of horology. Its successor, the 5811/1G in white gold, carries the lineage forward but the 5711 itself holds a distinct place as the reference that defined an era.
"The watch most collectors mean when they say 'Nautilus' — and the reference against which every luxury sports watch is still measured."
The Reference Variants
5711/1A-010 — Stainless Steel, Blue Dial
The defining reference. Blue-black gradient sunburst dial, stainless steel bracelet, 40mm case (43mm hinge to hinge) at just 8.3mm thick. This is the watch most collectors mean when they say "Nautilus." Produced from 2006 until its discontinuation in 2021.
What to look for: Dial condition is paramount. The sunburst gradient should be even and free of moisture marks. Early examples (2006–2008) housed the Calibre 315 SC rather than the later 324 SC — a detail that matters to some collectors.
5711/1A-011 — Stainless Steel, White Dial
Introduced in 2012, offering a dressier alternative to the blue. The silvery-white dial with applied gold hour markers gives the Nautilus a more classical personality while retaining the same case and bracelet.
5711/1A-014 — Stainless Steel, Green Dial
The "final edition" steel Nautilus, released in 2021 with an olive-green sunburst dial. Produced for approximately one year only. Announced alongside the discontinuation of the blue 5711/1A-010, which made it an instant collector's piece.
What to look for: Given the extremely limited production window, provenance and original papers are essential. Expect a significant premium over the blue dial.
5711/1R-001 — Rose Gold, Brown Dial
The warm alternative. Rose gold case and bracelet with a chocolate-brown gradient dial. Less commonly seen than the steel, and often preferred by collectors who want the Nautilus silhouette in a precious metal.
What to look for: Rose gold Nautilus bracelets can show wear more visibly than steel. Inspect the clasp and centre links carefully for scratches and polishing marks.
5711J — Yellow Gold
The least common of the precious metal variants. White dial with yellow gold case and bracelet. A quieter, more classical presence than the rose gold.
5711P — Platinum
Extremely rare. Distinguished by the diamond set at six o'clock — a Patek Philippe tradition reserved exclusively for platinum cases — and a deep electric blue dial. Production numbers are believed to be very small.
"The 5711P is the collector's Nautilus — the one you acquire when you no longer need to explain your taste to anyone."
The Movements
The 5711 has housed three calibres during its production life, each an evolution of the last:
Calibre 315 SC (2006–2008): The original movement fitted to early 5711 examples. Automatic winding with central seconds and date. A detail often overlooked — early adopters received a different movement to later production.
Calibre 324 SC (2008–2019): The movement most commonly associated with the 5711. Self-winding, 213 components, running at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with approximately 35–45 hours of power reserve. Features a 21K gold central rotor, Gyromax balance, and Spiromax balance spring.
Calibre 26-330 SC (2019–2021): The final evolution, introduced in 2019. 30 jewels, 212 components, same 28,800 vph frequency. The key upgrade was the addition of a stop-seconds (hacking) function, allowing precise time setting — a seemingly small but technically significant improvement. Carries the Patek Philippe Seal.
What to Check Before Buying
- Papers and provenance. A 5711 with its original Certificate of Origin commands a meaningful premium. The reference, case number, and movement number should all match. For older examples, an extract from the archives serves the same purpose.
- Dial condition. The gradient sunburst dial is the visual centrepiece. Look for even colour graduation, no moisture ingress, and no signs of a redial. Under magnification, the printing should be crisp and consistent. The applied hour markers should sit perfectly flat.
- Bracelet stretch. The integrated bracelet is subject to wear over time. Check for play in the links, particularly near the clasp. A stretched bracelet is not a dealbreaker but should be reflected in the price — and a replacement from Patek Philippe is not inexpensive.
- Service history. A recently serviced 5711 with Patek Philippe service papers is worth more than one of unknown service status. Patek's own service centre will provide documentation confirming work performed.
- Crystal. The sapphire crystal should be free of chips and deep scratches. Replacement crystals are available through Patek service but add to cost and turnaround time.
- Movement matching. Confirm whether the movement matches the expected calibre for the production year. A 2007 example should house the 315 SC; a 2015 example the 324 SC; a 2020 example the 26-330 SC.
Market Context
The 5711 occupies a unique position: it is simultaneously one of the safest stores of value in the watch market and one of the most liquid. Steel examples trade frequently and transparently, making price discovery straightforward.
The market has cooled from its 2022 peak. Prices have settled into a range that reflects genuine collector demand rather than speculative frenzy — which, for a serious buyer, is arguably the healthiest environment to acquire one. The 5711's successor, the 5811/1G in white gold, has shifted the conversation but not diminished the original's standing.
The Savard Perspective
We handle Nautilus references regularly across all variants. Every example is authenticated in-house, with full condition reporting and transparent provenance documentation. If you are looking for a specific reference or dial variant, our sourcing team can locate it discreetly and at a competitive price.
To discuss a specific piece or begin a search, contact us at enquiries@savardco.com or visit our Wilmslow showroom by appointment.
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