About Automatic Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
The Patek Philippe Nautilus was introduced in 1976 and designed by Gerald Genta, whose porthole-inspired octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet redefined what a luxury sports watch could be. Today the line encompasses everything from straightforward date and sweep-seconds models to highly complex annual calendars and chronographs, all built around Patek Philippe's in-house automatic movements and finished to the exacting standards the Geneva manufacturer is renowned for. The 5711 series in stainless steel with white or blue dials became one of the most recognized and sought-after references in modern watchmaking, while the 5726 adds an annual calendar and moon phase display and the 5980 layers a flyback-style chronograph onto the iconic Nautilus case. Together these references span a broad spectrum of collecting ambition while sharing the Nautilus's signature horizontally embossed dial and bracelet aesthetic.
What to Look For
When evaluating Nautilus automatic references, pay close attention to the specific reference number and material combination, as stainless steel examples such as the 5711/1A-011 and 5726/1A-014 command different premiums than two-tone steel and rose gold variants like the 5980/1AR-001, and dial color ranging from white to blue further differentiates desirability and value. Complication level is equally important: a time-and-date 5711 appeals to purists who prize simplicity, while a 5726 annual calendar or a 5980 chronograph attracts collectors seeking greater mechanical complexity in the same iconic case, and condition designation, whether brand new or pre-owned, directly influences price and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Patek Philippe Nautilus automatic watches authentic?
Yes, every Nautilus offered by Bizak and Co. undergoes a rigorous authentication process before being listed for sale. Whether brand new or pre-owned, each watch is verified for originality of case, dial, bracelet, and movement, and is accompanied by available documentation.
What is the difference between the Nautilus 5711, 5726, and 5980 references?
The 5711/1A-011 is the core Nautilus in stainless steel featuring a date and sweep-seconds display in a 40mm case, making it the definitive time-and-date expression of the line. The 5726/1A-014 adds an annual calendar and moon phase complication in a 40.5mm stainless steel case with a blue dial, while the 5980/1AR-001 incorporates a chronograph in a 40.5mm steel and rose gold case, also with a blue dial, representing the sportiest and most visually layered option in this collection.
Can I buy a pre-owned Patek Philippe Nautilus automatic and expect it to be in good condition?
Pre-owned Nautilus watches at Bizak and Co. are carefully inspected and described accurately, with condition noted in the listing. Many pre-owned examples retain exceptional finishing and lume on the dial and hands, and purchasing pre-owned can provide access to discontinued or highly allocated references like the 5711 that are otherwise difficult to source new.
Browse also: Patek Philippe collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
