About 40mm Watches
A 40mm case diameter became the modern benchmark for luxury sport and dress-sport watches during the late twentieth century, threading the needle between the slimmer dress watches of earlier decades and the oversized sport references that followed. The Patek Philippe Nautilus, designed by Gerald Genta and introduced in 1976, exemplifies this proportion perfectly, with the 5711 series in stainless steel and the diamond-set 5719 in white gold both wearing exactly 40mm across the integrated octagonal bezel. At this diameter, dials have sufficient real estate for applied indices, date displays, and sweep seconds hands without overwhelming the wearer, which is why so many collectors actively seek out 40mm references when they buy a luxury watch. The size also photographs beautifully and photographs are the first thing a prospective buyer studies, reinforcing its enduring commercial appeal.
What to Look For
When shopping this collection, buyers should note the meaningful differences between references: the 5711/1A-011 pairs a stainless steel case and bracelet with a white dial, while the 5719/10G-010 steps up to an 18-karat white gold case set with diamonds and a diamond dial, placing it firmly in high-jewellery Nautilus territory. Condition of the bracelet, presence of original box and papers, and whether the piece is unworn or lightly worn drive significant price variation, and the brand-new 5719/10G-010 in this collection commands a premium precisely because it has never been worn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-011 so desirable at 40mm?
The 5711/1A-011 is widely considered one of the most iconic luxury sport watches ever made, combining a Gerald Genta-designed integrated stainless steel bracelet with a clean white dial at a 40mm case size that flatters virtually any wrist. Its combination of in-house automatic movement, refined finishing, and stainless steel construction in a prestigious Patek Philippe resulted in demand that far outpaced supply for years. Collectors and investors alike seek it out, making authenticated examples like those at Bizak and Co. especially valuable.
What is the difference between the Nautilus 5711 and the Nautilus 5719?
Both the 5711 and the 5719 share the Nautilus DNA including the 40mm case diameter and the signature porthole-inspired octagonal bezel, but the 5719 is crafted in precious metal and set with diamonds on the bezel and dial, positioning it as the jewellery-focused expression of the line. The 5711/1A-011 in stainless steel is a sporting everyday luxury watch, while the 5719/10G-010 in white gold with a diamond dial and bezel is intended for formal or special-occasion wear. Price points reflect this distinction, with the white gold diamond version commanding a substantially higher premium.
Does a 40mm watch work for smaller wrists?
40mm is widely considered a versatile, near-universal case size that suits wrists roughly 6.5 inches and above comfortably, and many people with slightly smaller wrists wear it successfully depending on the lug-to-lug measurement and case thickness. The Nautilus in particular wears smaller than its stated diameter because of its horizontal case shape and integrated bracelet, which distributes the watch across the wrist. Buyers uncertain about fit are encouraged to contact Bizak and Co. directly for detailed case dimensions before purchase.
Browse also: Patek Philippe collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
