Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 Blue vs. White Dial

patekova · 2017-03-14T07:03:15Z

Compare the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A blue and white dials. Explore collector preferences, aesthetic differences, and market availability.

patekova

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

70 replies24504 views3 photos

patekova initiates a compelling comparison between the blue and white dial versions of the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711/1A, inviting the community to share their preferences. His detailed observations highlight how lighting conditions affect the blue dial's appearance and suggest a growing appreciation for the 'icy cool' white dial, sparking a lively debate among collectors.

For me in daylight or a brightly lit space the blue sparkles in an irrestible way. At night or in a dimly lit room the blue loses some of that brilliance and appears more dark gray and not nearly as appealing. For me, the white is "icy cool" and appears that way regardless of the light.

Bottom line, for me, overall I prefer the blue, but not by much. I also greatly appreciate the historical significance of the blue.

My sense is that the white is gaining a bit in popularity - maybe because it is not quite as difficult to acquire, maybe because it is recognized as being rarer, or just maybe because tastes change and people are developing a greater appreciation of the icy cool white.

So I am wondering how my fellow Forum members feel about each version.

Best, patekova

Key Points from the Discussion

Both blue and white dial 5711s are highly desirable, with the choice often depending on personal collection and lifestyle; the white dial is seen as fresher and sportier, while the blue offers versatility and historical significance.
The blue dial is generally preferred for its elegance, making the watch suitable for more formal occasions, while the white dial, with its blackened elements, offers a sportier, more casual, and youthful aesthetic.
The white dial, when seen in person, is described as very 'fresh' and 'youthful' with more prominent batons, making it ideal for summer and daytime wear, whereas the blue dial excels in the evening for elegance and its historical pedigree.
The blue dial is often favored for staying true to the Nautilus's pedigree and for its stunning appearance, though the white dial is acknowledged for holding its own.
The 5711 is considered a versatile 'sporty casual' watch, suitable for any occasion from swimming to wearing with a suit, and is seen as more refined than a Rolex Submariner.
The blue dial's brilliance in daylight is captivating, but it can appear darker and duller at night, which some argue is appropriate for a sports watch in an evening setting.

The Discussion

Baron - Mr Red

Mar 14, 2017

And with the Tiffany on BOTH dials too!!! I think I err to the blue dial. In daylight, it has that appeal. At night time, you suggest it loses a lot of that special blue. I think that is right...it becomes less blue...much duller and darker. Yet, at night time...on a sports watch.....I think that works fine. In comparison, I would see the white dial on a sports watch as a little incongruous for evening. Blue is clear winner for me. But it is a personal taste issue.

Arie - Mr Orange

Mar 14, 2017

I love the sportiness of the white dial a lot so therefore I prefer it on the chronograph. But for the 5711 that blue simply looks like a match made in heaven.

patekova

Mar 14, 2017

For me when I think "sports" watch I think Rolex, e.g. Submariner which is in a very loose sense Rolex's version of the 5711, starting with the name "Submariner" vs ""Nautilus". I think of 5711 more in terms of sporty casual. Great to swim in or wear with a suit or tux; but not rugged in the same way as Submariner. No disrespect to Sean Connery, but does a Sub really go with a tux? 5711 is good for any occasion. And much more refined, whatever that means. If price were not an issue and I could o

ik2000

Mar 14, 2017

Having seen the white dial in the flesh for the first time, I was very impressed, it looked very 'fresh'. The batons are more prominent and it just had a 'youthful' look about it, vs the elegant gentleman that is the blue dial. Summer, day time, I think the white looks better Evening, elegance, the blue dial is a winner every time, plus of course the historical significance. Best solution is to have both Thanks for the side by side.

watchme

Mar 14, 2017

I've had them both on, tried indoor lighting and then went outdoors. I, personally, like the white dial better. It's more crisp, and the black-outlined indices and hands are SO legible. I've been secretly hoping for a 5712/1A with white dial to come along. -Dean

Baron - Mr Red

Mar 14, 2017

....it is more refined than the Sub.....and yes, it probably can get away with a suit more readily than the Rolex. I see Rolex as my go-to sports watch and wouldn't dream of wearing any with a suit or Tux. Yet, with Patek, i need to engineer the mental jump that allows me to see the Nautilus as bridging the gap between sports/casual/formal. I still prefer the blue!

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Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 Blue vs. White Dial

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