Patek Philippe Nautilus: First Impressions Guide

quattro · 2026-03-12T19:55:03Z

Explore a collector's first impressions of the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-014 green dial, with detailed comparisons to other integrated-bracelet sports watches.

quattro

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

31 replies2432 views11 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, offers a rare, first-hand account of encountering the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-014 in green. His detailed comparison with other integrated-bracelet sports watches provides invaluable insights into its legendary proportions and aesthetic, making this a crucial read for collectors evaluating this iconic reference against its peers.

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During my February stay in Geneva, I had the opportunity to try on a 5711 for the first time.

Yes, for the first time because these watches are in high demand and are far from being my priority.

It was ref. 5711/1A-014 with a green dial.

What struck me immediately were two things.

Firstly, its remarkable slimness, with a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of only 8.3 mm. Let me be clear: these are ideal proportions.

Watch by Patek Philippe, 5711, 5711/1A-014, Nautilus

Watch by Patek Philippe, 5711, 5711/1A-014, Nautilus

Second, the absence of screws on the bezel and the very smooth aesthetic of the case and dial.

Also, the subdued green dial was quite to my liking even if, I won't lie, while I was glad it wasn't blue (a color that I have personally ended up finding tiresome from being repeated so often) I think I would have liked it even more if it had been grey.

The steel bracelet?

Nice, quite smooth too, but less appealing than the case itself, especially since, personally, I don't really like these metal bracelets.

Comparing it with a ref. 3800/1P-001 convinced me that the ref. 5711 really has ideal proportions.

Even leaving aside the diamond indices, the ref. 3800/1P-001, with its diameter of 37.5 mm (but only 35 mm from 8 o'clock to 2 o'clock) and its thickness of 7.3 mm is too small for my taste.

Compared to the 37 x 9.8 mm grey dial Royal Oak ref. 15450ST.OO.1256ST.02...

... or to the 38 x 10 mm grey dial Girard-Perregaux Laureato ref. 81005-11-231-11A...

... or to the white dial ref. 81005-11-131-11A...

... or to the blue dial ref. 81005-11-3460-1CM...

... or to the 41 x 9.7 mm Chopard L.U.C Alpine Eagle 41 grey dial ref. 298600-3002 (which I own)...

... I have to be honest: the 5711 is clearly a winner.

But it's not the kind of watch that excites me or gives me the chills.

So, even though I now understand what makes this model so legendary, I'm still quite happy to leave it to others.

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5711

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5711/1A is a specific configuration within the Complications model line. This particular reference is identified by its serial number 5914840, with a movement number 6084863.

The watch is presented in a stainless steel case, indicated by the "/1A" suffix. No specific details regarding the crystal material or movement architecture are provided.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe Complications model in stainless steel. Its specific serial and movement numbers are documented for identification purposes.

Specifications

Caliber: 26-330 S C

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Blue, White

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Nautilus, particularly the time-only and 5712 models, remains exceptionally difficult to acquire or even see in person, highlighting the unique opportunity quattro had.
The author prefers leather straps and precious metals over steel integrated bracelets, noting that metal bracelets are prone to micro-scratches during desk work, influencing his choice of the more reasonably priced Chopard Alpine Eagle for casual wear.
While acknowledging the 5711's superior qualities, quattro maintains that if forced to choose between a Nautilus and a Calatrava, he would opt for the Calatrava Ref. 5105, indicating a preference for different Patek Philippe aesthetics.
One collector prefers the smaller Nautilus Ref. 3800 over the 5711 due to its more visible bracelet on the wrist and a perceived 'empty space' on the 5711's dial, suggesting the Ref. 5800 as a potential 'perfect' compromise.
Despite the Nautilus's iconic status, some collectors, like AuHavrePro, have other watches they prioritize and are more likely to invest in, aligning with quattro's sentiment of understanding the hype but having different personal preferences.
The green dial of the 5711 is described as discreet and tasteful but not particularly remarkable, with the author personally preferring it over blue but acknowledging others might favor blue.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

Mar 12, 2026

Excellent overview. It is to this day....

The most iconic PP design in my opinion, and worthy of any horology enthusiast's attention, but just like you, I have a tangible number of watches I love even more than the Nautilus, and am thus far more likely to give my full attention (and money) to them over the Nautilus.... Thank you very much for the high quality pictorial Emmanuel! Cheers, Filip

quattro

Mar 12, 2026

Thank you so much, Filip. I think you’re right

when you say that it’s the most iconic PP design. It’s far from being my favorite, but, yes, it’s probably the most iconic and it’s great in its own right, no doubt about it. So I understand the hype even if, like you, I have other priorities. Cheers, Emmanuel

Eric67

Mar 12, 2026

Absolutely agree

I'm not particularly drawn to watches with integrated bracelets. But in this case, the 5711 is by far my favorite.

quattro

Mar 12, 2026

I couldn't be sure until I tried it on,

but now that I have, I quite agree that this model has a unique charm. Best, Emmanuel

Robert65

Mar 12, 2026

Emmanuel, great post!

Thank you for taking the time to post various fotos of similar integrated bracelet watches. Excellent way to compare the alternatives. The Nautilus (any of its variants) and especially the time only and 5712 models are wonderful but wow... entirely too impossible to acquire. Actually impossible to even see in the wild or even in a Patek boutique. Then being offered the opportunity to physically try the piece on your wrist is extremely difficult. That line of Pateks is so very dear. Best, Robert

quattro

Mar 12, 2026

Thank you so much, Robert.

I consider myself quite lucky indeed to have been able to try this one on, especially as it allowed me to better understand the charm of this timepiece, even if, as I said, I have other priorities and preferences. Best, Emmanuel

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Patek Philippe Nautilus: First Impressions Guide

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5711

Specifications

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Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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