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Patek Philippe Nautilus Guide: References and Versions

ART Jewellery & Watches Editorial Team
Patek Philippe Nautilus Guide: References and Versions

The Patek Philippe Nautilus family includes different options in case size, production period, metal and complications. When choosing a model, consider how the watch will sit on your wrist and which functions you need.

The design, introduced in 1976, ranges from compact models to watches with a date display and calendar complications. This guide covers notable sizes and references, as well as the key differences between generations.

The prices listed are Patek Philippe’s official retail prices in the US. Prices in Türkiye are set separately. Contact ART Jewellery & Watches for a current quote on the model that suits you.

35–38 mm: more compact Nautilus models

For those who prefer a smaller case, the 35.2 mm steel Nautilus 7118 and the 38 mm platinum Nautilus 5610/1P, introduced in 2026, stand out.

The 7118 is one of the collection’s compact interpretations, with a wave-pattern dial and date display. It is available in steel and rose gold. Introduced for the collection’s 50th anniversary, the 5610/1P reinterprets the mid-size Nautilus design of the 1980s. It is a limited-production model with a blue dial and platinum case.

  • The 7118 models have a date window and central seconds hand.
  • The 5610/1P uses the thin self-winding calibre 240. Production with a platinum bracelet is limited to 2,000 pieces.
  • The 3800, introduced in 1981, is among the earlier mid-size Nautilus models.

Choosing a size: When deciding between models measuring 35.2 and 38 mm, consider not only your wrist circumference but also how much space the case occupies on your wrist. Whether a model is categorised as a women’s or men’s watch should not be the sole deciding factor.

The Nautilus 7118/1A-011 starts from $35,884 at official US retail.

Explore Nautilus models at ART

40–41 mm: the classic and current larger-case design

The 40 mm 5711 and 41 mm 5811 represent different periods of the Nautilus design, with a simple dial and date display.

The first Nautilus, the 3700, was introduced in 1976 with a 42 mm case. When the collection was renewed in 2006, the 5711 offered a modern interpretation of the design with a 40 mm case. Introduced in 2022, the 5811 moved to a 41 mm size with a white gold case. With its blue-black gradient dial and date display, it is one of the current larger-case options.

  • The 5711 was introduced in 2006 to mark the collection’s 30th anniversary.
  • The 5811’s white gold case and bracelet are finished with a contrast of polished and satin surfaces.
  • The 50th anniversary models in 2026 also include 41 mm white gold options with a bracelet or strap.

Case and dial: At these sizes, the look is shaped not only by the case diameter but also by the dial colour, bracelet material and production period.

The Nautilus 5811/1G-001 starts from $82,021 at official US retail.

Explore Nautilus models at ART

Nautilus versions with complications

If you are looking for additional functions such as a date, moon phase or power reserve, consider the Nautilus references with complications.

The 5712 has a date, moon phase, power reserve indicator and small seconds. The perpetual calendar of the 5740 brings together displays for the day, date, month, leap year, 24-hour indication and moon phase. The 5990 offers a different option for travellers, with a flyback chronograph and second time zone function.

  • The 5712 is available with a 40 mm rose gold case and bracelet.
  • The 5740 houses a perpetual calendar in a 40 mm white gold case.
  • The 5990 has a flyback chronograph and Travel Time displays.

What to know: As the number of complications increases, the dial layout and way of using the watch also change. Consider the functions in relation to your daily habits.

The Nautilus 5712/1R-001 starts from $97,650 at official US retail.

Explore Nautilus models at ART

New or pre-owned?

The value of a Nautilus is not determined by the model name alone. The reference, production period, material, condition and originality of the components are assessed together.

  1. Distinctive design features, such as the horizontally embossed dial and integrated bracelet, remain central to the collection across different periods.
  2. References vary in case size, metal and movement. These distinctions influence collection choices.
  3. Condition and the preservation of original components matter in the overall assessment of a watch.

When assessing a pre-owned Nautilus, check the following:

  • Metal: Examine the case and bracelet material, along with any signs of wear or intervention on the surfaces.
  • Box and papers: Compare the box, papers and any service history with the watch reference.
  • Points to note: Request further inspection if components do not match the reference, service information is unclear or details in the documents are inconsistent.

Which Nautilus version is right for you?

Narrow down the options by deciding whether your priority is the fit on your wrist, a simple dial or additional functions.

What you wantVersion to considerWhy
A more compact caseNautilus 711835.2 mm case diameter
A mid-size limited-production modelNautilus 5610/1P38 mm platinum case and thin movement
A simple dial and date displayNautilus 581141 mm white gold case and legible dial
Moon phase and power reserve indicatorNautilus 5712An asymmetrical dial that brings together several functions
Perpetual calendarNautilus 5740A design that displays calendar information in a thin case

Where to buy a Nautilus: ART Jewellery & Watches

ART Jewellery & Watches is an independent boutique in Zorlu Center with more than 30 years of experience in the watch and jewellery sector. Each piece is inspected before being placed in the display. For watches, the case and dial condition, movement performance, originality of components, box and papers are assessed.

If the Nautilus you are looking for is not in the display, ART can search for it on request through collectors and people in the watch trade. The website is a display of products, not an online shop. To view watches at the boutique, you can book an appointment Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 19:00.

If you wish to sell or trade in your watch, you can apply using the sales request form. The ART team will provide an initial assessment within 24 hours.

Submit a sales request for your Patek Philippe watch or contact ART.

Address: Zorlu Center, Levazım Mahallesi Koru Sokak R2 Lobby Teras Evler T3 No:308, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Phone and WhatsApp: 0552 353 64 84

Email: sales@artjewellerywatches.com

Visits: Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 19:00, by appointment only

Frequently asked questions

What case sizes are available for the Patek Philippe Nautilus?

Notable case sizes are 35.2 mm, 38 mm, 40 mm and 41 mm. The exact measurement varies by reference and production period.

What does a Nautilus reference number indicate?

The reference number identifies the model’s case, metal, dial and movement features. It helps distinguish differences in function and material between watches with the same collection name.

What are the main differences between Nautilus generations?

From the original 3700 through the 5711 and 5811, the design’s defining lines have been retained while the case size, case construction and movement have been updated. Complicated models and smaller sizes have also been added to the family over time.

Can I buy a Patek Philippe Nautilus online from ART?

No. ART does not sell online through its website. The site is a display of products. To view a model, contact us by phone or WhatsApp and visit the boutique by appointment.

Can I sell or trade in my Patek Philippe Nautilus at ART?

Yes. You can apply to sell or trade in your watch by completing the sales request form. The ART team will provide an initial assessment within 24 hours.

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