Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712 Overview

Bill · 2025-11-20T15:31:42Z

Explore the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712, a beloved reference known for its asymmetric dial. Collectors share ownership experiences, comparisons, and why it s a favorite.

Bill's post expressing admiration for the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712 sparked a lively discussion among collectors, many of whom share a deep appreciation for this specific reference. This article delves into the community's perspectives on the 5712, its unique design elements, and its place within the broader Nautilus family.

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5712

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 5712 represents a 36mm iteration within the Royal Oak series, produced during the 1980-1990 period. This reference features a blue dial configuration paired with stainless steel construction throughout both case and bracelet.

The 36mm stainless steel case houses the automatic caliber 2121 movement, delivering a 40-hour power reserve. The watch incorporates a fixed octagonal bezel and sapphire crystal, with 50-meter water resistance. The integrated steel bracelet completes the stainless steel construction.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a vintage-production Royal Oak in the smaller 36mm case size. The blue dial variant offers an alternative to more common dial colors within the reference range. The decade-long production window from 1980-1990 places this reference within the early Royal Oak manufacturing period.

Specifications

Caliber: 2121

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 36 mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712/1A-001 is widely considered a beautiful watch, with its asymmetric dial layout often cited as a key distinguishing feature.
Many collectors, including GWIS and gary_g, express a preference for the 5712 over the 5711, finding its asymmetric dial more interesting.
The 5712 is described as a 'great watch in the metal' and a favorite among several long-term collectors.
One collector has owned their 5712 for over 12 years, indicating its enduring appeal and status as a 'keeper' due to its personal significance, including having their name on the Certificate of Origin.
The 5712 is humorously referred to as the 'ultimate most balanced unbalanced dial there is,' highlighting its distinctive aesthetic.
A contributor recounts the challenging experience of trying to acquire a Nautilus, including the 5712, during a period of high demand between 2012-2018.
Some collectors, in retrospect, wished they had acquired a Nautilus Ref. 5980 instead of the 5712 when they had the opportunity.
The 5712 is often mentioned alongside other highly regarded Nautilus references like the 3712/1A and 5740/1G.