Love the Patek Philippe brand and Nautilus design, but want something more luxurious than steel? Patek has you covered. Patek Philippe offers the Nautilus from rose gold to platinum, and with a host of complications such as a chronograph or a moon phase with calendar. Other popular variations are the two-tone steel and gold Nautilus models. Many people prefer the Nautilus in this simple three-hand form—and I don’t blame them one bit. The Nautilus case is 40mm wide (with the flanks) and, as previously mentioned, is just 8.3mm thick with 120 meters of water resistance. Covering the dial is a flat sapphire crystal, and the crown securely screws into the case.

That Patek Philippe offers the Nautilus on a strap amuses me because this watch was always meant for a bracelet. I can see how a strap might be comfortable, but it’s just a shame not to pair the Nautilus with a bracelet. The bracelet may not be particularly sophisticated, but it is far from rudimentary. The main horizontal links are brushed, while the rounded and polished center links help add character. The dramatically tapered bracelet, decorated with attractive beveled edges, is another signature look of the Nautilus. Even though I like how Patek Philippe decorates the Nautilus, I think it could have had more beveled edges with wider lines, which would have added another dash of flair.

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In many ways, high-end mechanical luxury watches were at their peak in the 1970s. By the advent of of the Quartz Crisis in the 1980s, luxury watch sales. Nowadays, few brands invest in producing new product collections, so much of what they are producing is the last of what they heavily invested in back in the past. As a result, the Nautilus represents a particular pinnacle that these high-end mechanical watches achieved in the 1970s before the age of mechanical watch dominance ended.

What does it mean when Patek Philippe also sells a complimentary (and admittedly nice looking) set of white gold cuff links (reference 205.9057G) to go with this Nautilus 5711/1A-101? That’s a fun question to answer because there is no right response. Perhaps, for instance, these are a pricey and refined accessory that is compatible with the entire notion of who Patek Philippe envisions Nautilus owner to be.

My experience with the Patek Philippe Nautilus was nothing but positive. Aside from some occasional pulling of arm hairs, the slim profile and supple bracelet were no bother at all on the wrist. As a timepiece, the dial is mostly legible (though the overly rounded hour markers and hand edges can blur when light reflects against them), and the movement is very attractive. The watch’s highest marks come from the bracelet design and construction, but you are clearly paying a lot for the privilege of owning one. What also impressed me is how many watch lovers notice and admire the Nautilus, emphasizing just how good of a job Patek Philippe is doing in keeping these scarce and exciting.

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This aBlogtoWatch review was done in collaboration with Eleven James, a watch rental service where you can rent watches just like this Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A, leading to the question: rent or own this watch? My initial reaction goes in both directions, but it leans in favor of owning the watch. While the Nautilus is really expensive, it also holds its value very well, so any losses you incur if you resell it will be limited. With that said, why invest at all if you don’t absolutely love how the Nautilus looks on your wrist? Sure, it does convey to others, “I paid almost four times the cost of a Rolex Submariner,” so if you are seeking that particular type of attention, the Nautilus will serve you well. So, rent or buy? I’d say the watch is a good investment if you really love it, but it could take some time to wear it in order to figure that out because the core design of the Nautilus is not for everybody. Therefore, renting it before deciding to purchase may be the wisest option.

Few luxury sport lifestyle watches at this price range are as well-made as the Nautilus, and it beats a steel Rolex in prestige every time. Again, “elegance” is the defining trait in a watch like this. That means even though the Nautilus is masculine, it isn’t very loud. If you want “Hublot loud,” you aren’t going to find it in here. After wearing the watch for a while, I’ve come to admire the Nautilus a lot more. Perhaps I still don’t completely understand why people are lining up for more than a year to get one, but that’s also because I know how many other options exist out there. If you simply want a watch that is made by the one of the best and retains its value, then go with a 5711 in steel with the blue dial. It is a very safe bet, and whenever you wear it, you’re communicating style and value right there on your wrist. Gerald Genta would likely be very proud of how well Patek Philippe has managed to keep the Nautilus so exclusive and of the most excellent quality.

Price for the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 watch in blue is currently $29,800 USD, after the recent 2018 20% price increase from the former retail price of $24,840. patek.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Patek Philippe
>Model: Nautilus 5711/1A-010
>Price: $29,800 USD
>Size: 40mm wide, 8.3mm thick.
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes, whenever it was important to whisper, not scream, my spending power.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone who wants an elegant daily wearer that also happens to be a lusted-after grail watch for many watch enthusiasts (and is willing to dedicate the funds for it).
>Best characteristics of watch: Very skilled and competent construction throughout. Thin profile with excellent movement. Bracelet design is still good looking and watch is comfortable to wear and easy to read. Patek Philippe tightly controls distribution and demand which helps keep resale values high.
>Worst characteristics of watch: Trendy popularity of the 5711 in steel is making the price higher than retail in some instances. Patek hasn’t done much to pull the Nautilus out of the 1970s. Lacks any serious modern features or design cues.


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