Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 vs. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: A Collector's Dilemma
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Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 vs. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: A Collector's Dilemma

By @Patek_Ambassador · Jan 15, 2020 · 32 replies
@Patek_Ambassador
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In a perennial debate among luxury watch collectors, @Patek_Ambassador grapples with the allure of the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711. This discussion from 2020 highlights the intense market dynamics and personal preferences that drive collecting decisions, offering timeless insights into the perceived value and desirability of two iconic Gérald Genta designs. His contemplation of selling an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak to acquire a Nautilus via the gray market sparks a robust community discussion on authenticity, market speculation, and horological passion.

I have an AP 15400 Royal Oak stainless blue dial. I am a Patek guy through and through and am on the list at two different ADs for a 5711 but it’s unlikely I’ll ever get “the call.” I’m not In love with my Royal Oak blue dial and would much prefer the 5711 blue dial — besides the Nautilus there is no other acceptable SS sports watch I would be happy wearing. I can realistically sell my Royal Oak for 26k and buy a 5711 blue dial gray market for about 58k - so I’d need to add about 30-32k cash once selling my Royal Oak. I just don’t know if this is worth it. Every time I put on my Royal Oak I just wish it was a 5711 instead! My watchbox is full of Pateks... a 5170, a 5905, and a 5130. I am only missing an appropriate Patek sports watch to complete my Patek collection. I’ve always been opposed to buying gray, this is an exigency circumstance! My cash add over the cost of my Royal Oak would basically be like paying MSRP (30k) for the Nautilus, which helps me justify it as I’ve had the Royal Oak for over five years and have long forgot the money I put into it when bought years ago. Should I just be happy and content with my Royal Oak boutique edition blue dial which for most is a grail piece in and of itself, or should I stretch for a gray market Nautilus...


















About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5130

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5130, introduced in 2006, is a World Time watch that succeeded the popular reference 5110. This model maintained the distinctive World Time complication, allowing for simultaneous display of time in 24 different time zones. Its design evolved with a slightly larger case and updated dial aesthetics, distinguishing it from its predecessor while retaining the core functionality that defines Patek Philippe's travel timepieces. It was produced until 2017.

The watch features an 18k rose gold case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 9.8mm in thickness, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU movement. This ultra-thin movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The dial is silver or opaline with a guilloché center, protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

Reference 5130 appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated travel complication from Patek Philippe. Its larger case size compared to the 5110 offered a more contemporary presence on the wrist, while its classic World Time mechanism remained a hallmark of the brand's technical prowess. The model was available in various precious metals, with the rose gold variant offering a warm aesthetic.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.240 HU
Case
18k rose gold
Diameter
39.5mm
Dial
Silver / opaline guilloché
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
GL
GLau
Jan 15, 2020

NO RETURN ! Just pull the trigger then. Await your wrist shot.

JL
jleno
Jan 15, 2020

That RO is a beauty! It's a bit surprising you feel so different about the two pieces given how similar they are. It may at least be worth waiting a couple of years for the prices to come down and see if your feelings change.

FO
fourtaelsgold
Jan 15, 2020

If you had a 15202 Jumbo, I would’ve said hang on to it but personally I find the wearing experience of the 15400 to be quite different from the 5711 (or the 5167 for that matter) due to the thickness.

ID
ID1972Sr
Jan 15, 2020

It represents, imo, very well the heritage and the spirit of Gerald Genta. Furthermore, paying 58k a 5711 is just insane... Just my 2 cents

れい
れい
Jan 15, 2020

It's a question only you can answer as you need to pay additional $30k for a Nautilus. Both are gorgeous. I had a Jumbo before and I've been wearing a blue 5711 since 2017. Tell you the truth, I don't 'need' another watch after I got my 5711. But, I have decided to get a 5980 someday to complement my plain Nautilus... Good luck!

PI
piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)
Jan 16, 2020

That's why you don't really like it. Money come, money go, sell the 15400 and buy what you desire.

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