The Patek Philippe Nautilus has achieved legendary status. It has a retail price of around $30,000, a waitlist of eight years, and many eager to pay twice the retail in the previously owned market. So, one can safely say that it’s the luxury sports timepiece for men of this day and age. Why is Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive? Let’s take a closer look!

The gradient blue watch evidently has powerful appeal. Yet, for a watch that consists of stainless steel and with no other obstacle other than a date, many still ask the question: why is Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive? Let’s dive into more!

Patek Philippe Nautilus is a real gem, by all means. If you are asking why is Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive, the answer is quite simple, per se. This watch represents luxury, versatility, value, and quality, as well as the hype.

More About Patek Philippe Nautilus

In thought, it was a genius move by Patek. Moreover, one that appears to acknowledge the superb role the Nautilus plays. The brand reportedly doesn’t like that a three-hand steel timepiece is its most prevalent model.

The wait time from official vendors for a Ref 5711 used to be roughly ten years. This is before they quit taking orders. By all means, this caused numerous headaches for the trademark and its retail associates.

They even increased retail prices on all steel Nautilus models by 20% in 2018 to try and deter demand. To no hollow. Then also, plenty of people were willing to pay more than double retail on the secondary demand to acquire one. That said, a 20% uplift appears like a bargain.

As a matter of fact, you can’t reject the extraordinary role Ref 5711 plays as a brand ambassador. So many more individuals than ever before know about Patek because of this affinity. Moreover, it is a critical part of the brand’s legacy.

As such, discontinuing it totally never appeared likely. Even now, it appears that there’s a Ref 6711 remaining in the wings. Still, we’ll have to wait a bit more to see if that is really true. Namely, a new, non-limited dial color lets the hype train persist for now.

The Patek Philippe Ref 5711/1A

The first on this list to show why is Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive. The Patek Philippe Ref 5711/1A was launched in 2006 to honor the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus. 

It was a quick hit with collectors and, evidently, has persisted on an upward course ever since. The different porthole-shaped 40mm case is bigger than the authentic (+1mm). Moreover, it measures 8.3mm in thickness.

An octadic bezel frames the stamped black blue or silvery white dial. The flat lines direct some to refer to it as the “garage entry.” Mainly on the white dial version. 

The white gold, egg-shaped hour markers have a luminescent layer. Ditto is there for the main hour and minute hands. The date arises in a window at 3 o’clock, per se.

There Is More to This

This one looks all but similar to the authentic Nautilus Ref 3700/1. There is little happening on the dial, and yet it is so beautiful.

On the flip side, a sapphire case back shows the manufacturer Caliber 324 SC inside. This self-complacency movement has many of Patek Philippe’s innovations. These innovations include the Gyromax wheel and its slotted balance weights. The latter holds the swinging at 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Supplied with the main rotor in 21K gold, the movement shows a power reserve of 45 hours. The cover is also further reproval, by all means. Côtes de Genève, circular reproof, bevelled steel elements and bridges. This movement bears the Patek Philippe seal for steadfast defense.

Note: If you love fragrances, check out all the best-smelling fragrances for men on the market.

The Green Dial Ref 5711

Back in 2021, Patek Philippe declared that it would be quitting the blue dial Ref 5711. First, the rumors were that a new connection was arriving. That hasn’t occurred, by all means.

Yet. Rather, the brand revealed an olive green dial. This would be the last model of the Ref 5711 ever. Less obvious is the timeline for shutting out the presentation. It’s safe to guess that exhibition volumes will be low.

Notably, the new Ref 5711/1A-014 is relatively similar to the old one. The sunburst olive green dial is new, without saying. Yet, the case and bracelet stay intact. There is one update worth noting though and that’s to the internals. In place of the caliber, 324 S C is the more mighty caliber 26-330 S C.

It puffs many technical enhancements over its precursor. These pertain to the spiral plan and the inclusion of stop seconds.

Why Is Patek Philippe Nautilus So Expensive? – 5 Key Factors

Let’s take a closer look at why is Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive. Here are 5 interesting reasons!

#1 Quality

This is the most obvious one, by all means. The Patek Philippe name speaks quality. Both in design and structure. You know that professionals have spent months, occasionally years, making this watch.

The quality control standards are outstanding. Every timepiece has a fully-searchable section available in the Patek Philippe archives. This applies to every model as nearly no other watch brand can offer that confidence level.

Tip: There are tons of best-smelling Versace perfumes for men. Find the best one for you!

#2 Prestige

It’s difficult to exaggerate the charm of the Patek Philippe brand name. The agreement is that it is the most prestigious luxury watch brand on the globe. Certainly, it is one of the most prestigious luxury brands, without a doubt.

The name is a precursor of pleasing taste. It tips off the elegance and intricacy of its owner. Also, the name is de-emphasized. Everyone is able to identify a Rolex on the wrist. Only the knowledgeable few will be able to see a Patek Philippe from a distance.

#3 Versatility

Many would approve that if you could have one watch only, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711/1A would be the ideal choice. This is a timepiece that you can wear anywhere for any event.

Wear it to court, the office, heck, wear it with shorts to the coast. The case is waterproof to 120m, and the black/blue dial looks superb in the water. It began life as a luxury sports timepiece.

Yet, the Nautilus is now a detectable legend. It’s adored by celebs and successful people all over the world.

#4 Investment Value

Investment is usually seen as a filthy word by many watch collectors. After all, buying a watch should come from enjoying wearing it, not because it may go up in price. The truth is entirely distinct.

Solely two luxury watch brands show an invariant capacity to hold their worth. We all know these two: Rolex and Patek Philippe.

Tip: Are you interested in the Bulova watch brand? If you are, there are many modern Bulova watches for men on the market!

#5 Hype

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711 has evolved to be the most hyped timepiece in the world. You may be surprised that it is not a Richard Mille, or a Rolex Batman.

You can’t refuse that hype is playing a tremendous part in boosting the worth of the Nautilus Ref 5711. We don’t know how much it will last.

Correspondingly, what effect this may have on the brand and the model in the gazes of collectors is murky too. Now, you definitely see why is Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive!

Final Words

These pivotal elements help illustrate why is Patek Philippe Nautilus so expensive. Whether you approve or not is a case of individual opinion and preference. This is a true fact!

One thing is for sure, the existing demand for these timepieces is not exhibiting any indications of abating. Is that possible to change shortly? Nobody knows!