I don’t think there is a more comfortable steel sports watch with a bracelet that sits as nicely on the wrist as the 5711. It is streamlined to fit your wrist. Every time, I am struck by how elegantly it sits; it doesn’t slide around or tilt during movements. It sits so well-balanced on the wrist. This is something the 5711 is known for. Besides this detail, it is incredibly beautiful in its design. An icon. The blue dial, which sometimes takes on a gray tone only to almost feel black the next moment. Then the intense blue color hits you, and the ribbed dial gets a depth that I have admired countless times.
Patek Philippe Nautilus has been my grail since I started getting interested in watches about ten years ago. Back then, the watch was a distant dream, and I had a hard time understanding how one could spend such sums on a watch. People must be crazy, I thought. Today, I am one of them, a “crazy” person who has bought expensive watches. I remember the feeling when I had bought my 5711. Tony Kavak, a renowned watch enthusiast and collector from Stockholm who sold me the watch, said to me before handing it over: “Niclas, promise me now that you will wear this watch.” And I did. At first, I wore it constantly; it was my daily watch. I was on cloud nine. I suddenly had my dream watch on my wrist. Where would my collecting go from here? I thought. But I believe that one can own their dream watch and let it be just that. A dream watch. And that I get the chance to wear it is fantastic. But that will change with time and I will come back to my personal story in a bit. Let us first dive into the history of this iconic watch.
The Patek Philippe 5711 features a streamlined design that fits perfectly on the wrist.
The Patek Philippe 5711’s bracelet and clasp are expertly designed for a secure fit, seamlessly integrating with the watch case for unparalleled comfort and elegance.
Patek Philippe 5711: The Pinnacle of Nautilus Design
Introduced in 2006 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus, the Patek Philippe 5711 has quickly risen to become one of the most iconic and sought-after luxury sports watches in the world. The 5711/1A-001, with its clean lines, superb craftsmanship, and legendary status, stands as a testament to Patek Philippe’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary appeal.
A Design Rooted in Heritage
The Patek Philippe 5711 takes its design cues from the original Nautilus reference 3700, which was introduced in 1976. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Nautilus was inspired by the shape of a porthole, with its distinctive rounded octagonal bezel and horizontally embossed dial. The 5711 retains these classic elements while introducing subtle refinements that enhance its modern appeal.
The stainless steel case of the 5711 measures 40mm in diameter, a modest increase from its predecessor, making it more fitting for contemporary tastes. The integrated bracelet, with its brushed and polished finishes, seamlessly flows into the case, creating a cohesive and elegant profile. The watch’s slim profile, at just 8.3mm thick, ensures it remains comfortable on the wrist while maintaining a robust presence.
The Dial: A Study in Elegance
The dial of the Patek Philippe 5711 is a masterpiece of understated elegance. Available initially in a rich blue gradient, the dial features the signature horizontal embossing that gives it a distinct texture and depth. The applied white gold hour markers and hands are filled with luminescent material, ensuring legibility in low light conditions. A date window at 3 o’clock adds a practical touch without disrupting the dial’s symmetry.
The blue dial of the 5711 transitions from gray to almost black, revealing its depth and beauty.
The Caliber 324 SC inside the 5711 showcases Patek Philippe’s impeccable finishing standards.
Inside the 5711: Caliber 324 SC
Powering the Patek Philippe 5711 is the Caliber 324 SC, a self-winding movement renowned for its reliability and precision. This movement features a central rotor made of 21-carat gold, which winds the watch efficiently with the movement of the wearer’s wrist. The Caliber 324 SC beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), providing a power reserve of up to 45 hours.
Visible through a sapphire crystal case back, the movement showcases Patek Philippe’s impeccable finishing standards. Geneva stripes, polished screw heads, and a meticulously engraved rotor are just a few of the details that reflect the brand’s commitment to excellence. The movement’s Gyromax balance and Spiromax balance spring further enhance its performance and accuracy.
A Modern Classic
Since its introduction, the Patek Philippe 5711 has become a modern classic, celebrated for its timeless design and superb craftsmanship. The watch’s popularity has surged in recent years, driven by its iconic status and the brand’s limited production. This demand has made the 5711 one of the most coveted timepieces in the world, often commanding significant premiums on the secondary market.
For many collectors, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 has been a dream acquisition for years.
The ribbed blue dial of the 5711 is a masterpiece of elegance and depth, admired countless times.
Collector’s Dream
Among collectors, the 5711 is revered not just as a watch, but as a piece of horological history. Its association with the original Nautilus, combined with its modern refinements, has made it a must-have for serious watch enthusiasts. The 5711’s scarcity and desirability have only added to its allure, making it a prized possession in any collection.
The Enduring Legacy
Its enduring popularity speaks to Patek Philippe’s ability to create watches that resonate with both traditionalists and modern collectors. As the Nautilus continues to evolve, the 5711 remains a shining example of the brand’s mastery in blending heritage with contemporary appeal.
The integrated bracelet of the 5711 flows effortlessly into the case, enhancing its cohesive profile.
With a slim profile of just 8.3mm, the 5711 remains comfortable on the wrist while maintaining a robust presence.
Returning to My Personal Story
The watch that was once a distant dream now makes me nervous and paranoid on the streets. Somewhere along the line, a part of the magic disappeared. Let me give you an example. My wife and I were going out to dinner one evening in central Stockholm, and I wanted to take my Nautilus but chose another, simpler watch instead. A watch that is not as coveted by thieves. I am not just thinking about my own safety or the risk of losing my watch. I am thinking about my wife or those in our company. What if they get hurt because I wear a watch that someone sees as quick money? You may understand where I am coming from, and this ultimately drove me to let go of my 5711 from my collection. It took too much energy from me when I wore it towards the end. Watches are meant to be worn, and it does me no good in a safe.
Keep in mind, this is a steel watch with a time and date function, and when it was still in production, it had a recommended retail price of 30,000 USD. I have repeatedly heard the word “baller” associated with the watch. “You feel a bit ballin’ today icing up your 5711.” It makes me feel bad; those are not the signals I want to send with my collection. I love the watch for its design and historical significance. I love seeing a 5711 on someone’s wrist; it makes me happy to see it worn and appreciated as it deserves to be. I no longer own this watch but I am glad I got the chance to do so, and enjoy it for several years! Who knows, maybe it will come back to me one day 
