Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
Designed by the horological legend Gérald Genta, the 1976 Patek Philippe Nautilus burst onto the watchmaking scene as Patek Philippe's first steel sports watch. Sealing the case from water were two 'ears' that gave the Nautilus its distinctive shape, whilst the integrated bracelet was like no Patek Philippe seen before.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a legendary timepiece that has captivated watch aficionados since its 1976 debut. With its unique design and extraordinary craftsmanship, the Nautilus is one of the original luxury steel sports watches—alongside another Genta masterpiece, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
The Nautilus emerged during the quartz crisis—a period when the Swiss watch industry was grappling with the emergence of battery-powered watches. To redefine the brand and attract a younger audience, Patek Philippe called on celebrated watch designer Gérald Genta to craft an automatic sports watch that merged style with utility.
The story goes that Genta designed the Nautilus after enjoying dinner on a ship where he was inspired by its portholes—hence the Nautilus’ distinctive case. The octagonal shape, rounded corners, and horizontally embossed dial make the watch instantly recognisable. The integrated bracelet adds to its sporty yet refined looks.
The Nautilus has grown to become Patek Philippe’s most desirable model, if not its most expensive. It signifies the watchmaker’s devotion to innovation and modernity while preserving its legacy of traditional Swiss watchmaking. The Nautilus is available in various models—from date-only versions to chronographs—catering to the diverse preferences and requirements of watch collectors.
One of the most sought-after models in the Nautilus range is the discontinued reference 5711. This iconic watch, featuring just the standard time and date, was a hit thanks to its likeness to the 1976 original and because of its understated dial. It was discontinued in 2022 after which Patek unveiled its replacement, the 5811.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 is another great choice. This stunning timepiece boasts a chronograph function to accurately record lapsed time, while for something even more luxurious and technically accomplished, there’s the 5740/1G—a perpetual calendar in white gold.
Besides the standard models, Patek Philippe also offers special editions in its Nautilus line. These limited-edition timepieces feature unique designs, exclusive materials, and often pay tribute to significant moments in the brand's history. From striking dial colours to rare case materials, these are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
A notable limited-edition model is the 5976-1G. Released in 2016 to celebrate the Nautilus’ 40th anniversary, this chronograph is the largest watch in the Nautilus family at 44mm. It’s limited to just 1,300 pieces. The limited-edition 5711 model in steel with a turquoise-blue dial stamped with the name of the jeweller Tiffany is also extremely sought-after, with one selling for $6.5m dollars at a charity auction in 2021.
Whether you prefer a classic stainless-steel model or a more luxurious piece in precious metal, the Nautilus range offers a diverse selection to match every taste and style. With their timeless design and exceptional quality, these watches are truly a testament to Patek Philippe's reputation as one of the world's finest watchmakers.
We offer a range of pre-owned Patek Philippe Nautilus watches which showcase the watchmaker’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or a first-time buyer, we’ll have a pre-owned Nautilus in our extensive selection that’s perfect for you.