Patek Philippe Reference Numbers Explained: How to Read 5711/1A-010

A Patek Philippe reference such as 5711/1A-010 is not a random code. It tells you the model, whether the watch came on a bracelet, which metal the case is made of and which dial it was sold with. Read correctly, it lets you check that a watch, its papers and a seller's description all describe the same thing. This guide decodes the format and gives worked examples from the Nautilus, Aquanaut and Calatrava families.

Last reviewed on September 16, 2026. Patek does not publish an official decoding table; the rules below are the consistent conventions used across the current and recent catalogue, checked against Patek's own reference pages.

The anatomy of a Patek Philippe reference number

Take 5711/1A-010 and split it into four parts:

So 5711/1A-010 is the Nautilus 5711 model, on a bracelet, in steel, with the blue-black gradient dial. Change one part and you have a different watch: 5711/1A-014 is the same watch with the olive-green dial, 5711/1R-001 is the rose gold version, and 5711R-001 (no /1) is rose gold on a leather strap.

Patek Philippe metal codes

Two letters together mean two metals. "AR" is steel with a rose gold bezel and centre links; "GR" would be white and rose gold. Platinum Patek watches also carry a small diamond set into the case at 6 o'clock, which is the quickest visual check that a "P" reference is what it claims to be.

What the number after the slash means

Most of the time, "/1" means bracelet. The Aquanaut 5167A-001 is on a rubber strap; the 5167/1A-001 is the same watch on a steel bracelet. The Calatrava 6119G-001 has no slash because it is only sold on a strap.

Longer codes mark special versions. On the Nautilus, /110P, /111P, /112P and /113P are the gem-set platinum jewellery models; 5711/1300A-001 is the steel green 5711 with a diamond bezel; 5811/1460G-001 is the 5811 with a diamond-set bezel and dial. On the Aquanaut, 5167/300R is a rose gold version with a diamond bezel. If a seller quotes a reference with an unusual slash code, ask what it denotes and check it against Patek's site.

What the dial suffix means

The three digits after the hyphen identify the dial and sometimes the strap colour. They are assigned in order of release within a reference, so they are not the same across models: -001 on a 5711/1A does not exist, because the first steel 5711 was launched as -010; -001 on a 5167A is the black dial.

• 5711/1A-010: blue-black gradient. -011: white. -014: olive green. -018: Tiffany Blue double-signed.
• 5167A-001: black. 5167A-010: khaki green (2021 launch, later discontinued). 5167A-012: black with updated details.
• 5168G-001: blue. 5168G-010: khaki green.
• 5726/1A-001: black. 5726/1A-010: white. 5726/1A-014: blue.
• 5980/1R-001: brown-black gradient. 5980/1A-014: grey (discontinued 2014). 5980/1A-019: white.

A watch whose dial does not match its suffix on the Certificate of Origin has either had a dial swap or has the wrong papers. Either way the price should reflect it.

Which digit tells you the model family?

Patek does not code the family into the number, but there are patterns. Model numbers beginning 5 are the modern core collection (5711, 5167, 5196, 5205, 5270). Numbers beginning 6 are more recent introductions (6119 Calatrava, 6007, 6300 Grandmaster Chime). Numbers beginning 7 are usually ladies' models (7118 Nautilus, 7010, 7300 Twenty~4). Numbers beginning 3 are earlier references from the 1970s to 1990s (3700 Nautilus, 3800, 3970 perpetual chronograph). Numbers beginning 4 are older ladies' references.

Within a family, the model number stays constant across metals and dials. The 5167 is always an Aquanaut of the 40.8 mm size; the 5168 is always the 42.2 mm "Jumbo". If you learn the model numbers of the five or six references you care about, most listings become legible at a glance.

Worked examples

Reference number vs case number vs movement number

Three different numbers appear on a Patek Philippe, and sellers often muddle them.

• Reference number (5711/1A-010): the model code, shared by every example of that configuration. It appears on the Certificate of Origin, the hang tag and, on most modern watches, engraved on the case between the lugs or on the case back rim.
• Case number: a unique serial for the case, usually six or seven digits, engraved on the case (often on the back or between the lugs) and printed on the Certificate of Origin.
• Movement number: a separate unique serial engraved on the movement, visible through a display back on many modern references, also printed on the Certificate of Origin.

A genuine full set has all three matching between watch and certificate. Patek will not tell you a watch's production year from its serial over the phone, but an Extract from the Archives confirms reference, case and movement numbers and the date of first sale, for watches sold more than ten years ago. Our serial number check guide walks through matching the numbers, requesting an extract and spotting a fake.

How to check a reference before you buy

1. Ask the seller for the full reference including the slash code and dial suffix, not just "5711".
2. Check it on patek.com. Current references have a page; discontinued ones can be checked on Patek's press releases or archive listings.
3. Compare the metal letter to the watch: steel is non-magnetic and grey, white gold is heavier and slightly warmer, platinum carries the 6 o'clock diamond.
4. Compare the dial suffix to the actual dial.
5. Ask for the case and movement numbers and check them against the Certificate of Origin.

Our authentication process covers what we verify on every sourced watch before dispatch.

Quick answers

What does the A mean in a Patek Philippe reference?

Stainless steel, from the French acier. G is white gold, J yellow gold, R rose gold and P platinum.

What does /1 mean in a Patek reference?

The watch was delivered on a metal bracelet. 5167A-001 is on a strap; 5167/1A-001 is on a bracelet.

What do the last three digits mean?

The dial or configuration variant, numbered in order of release within that reference. 5711/1A-010 is blue, -014 green, -018 Tiffany Blue.

Where is the reference number on a Patek Philippe?

On the Certificate of Origin and hang tag, and on most modern watches engraved on the case between the lugs or on the case back rim. The case and movement serial numbers are separate.

Can I look up a Patek Philippe serial number?

Not publicly. Patek issues an Extract from the Archives confirming the reference, case and movement numbers and date of sale, for watches first sold more than ten years ago.

Ready to source a specific reference? Send the full reference, preferred condition and papers, budget and timing through our sourcing enquiry form, or browse the Patek Philippe catalogue.

Related reading: Patek Philippe serial number check · Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 guide · Nautilus vs Aquanaut · Cheapest Patek Philippe watches · Patek Philippe watch prices.