Patek Philippe Nautilus price development

Watches from Patek Philippe's Nautilus collection will experience huge demand in 2023 – as they have in recent years. This is no surprise, given that Nautilus models are among the most well-known and popular luxury watches in the sporty category. But how do these watches, which delight collectors around the world, develop their value? How much are different Nautilus versions worth, and what factors influence this? These questions and the corresponding answers are the focus of this article.

Important information about the Patek Philippe Nautilus

The watch manufacturer Patek Philippe, headquartered in Geneva, has been writing its success story for almost 200 years. The Patek Philippe Nautilus timepieces definitely hold a significant chapter in this history. When the first Nautilus model, featuring Gérald Genta's legendary design, was released, everyone immediately became hyped. This was certainly not only due to the timepiece's sporty, elegant appearance or its impeccable functionality. The fact that this high-end watch was made not from white gold or platinum, but from "plain" stainless steel, also caused quite a stir. Especially since the prices were nevertheless set high. A decision that Thierry Stern – the brand's president – ​​did not regret. On the contrary: A veritable hype arose around the Nautilus watches, which has hardly lost any of its intensity or relevance to this day.

Arguably the most coveted Nautilus model is the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 / 1A 010 , which features a blue bar dial. When Nautilus watches are mentioned, insiders often immediately think of the Nautilus 5711, even though the Nautilus Collection includes around 140 variants. In direct comparison, no other model matches the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711's legendary image as a sporty status watch. Nevertheless, even with other models, you can expect waiting lists if you want to call an original your own.

Patek Philippe Nautilus price history

Time to take a closer look at the price development of Patek Philippe Nautilus products on the market:

Current price

It seems as if everything from the Nautilus series is worth its weight in gold – even if it's "only" made of steel. After production of the Nautilus 5711 was discontinued, prices reached new heights, despite waiting times of up to ten years. The list price for the last batch of Nautilus 5711 1A watches is €30,400 – a hefty sum for a steel watch. Furthermore, the list price doesn't necessarily reflect the market price. Since demand for Nautilus steel timepieces far exceeds supply, some models are traded at significantly higher prices on the open market. And because they are no longer available from the manufacturer, there's no point in waiting long times to get hold of the items at list price. So, there's no question that you'll have to dig deep into your pockets for a steel Nautilus 5711 1A 010.

The new Nautilus 5811 1G—the successor—is significantly more affordable. The manufacturer's price for this white gold watch is just under €70,000, although the model's future value development is, of course, open to speculation.

Historical increase in value

As already mentioned, the value of the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 1A skyrocketed when it was announced at the end of 2020 that the timepiece would no longer be produced. The hype that had begun long before reached a new peak. While the watch could still be acquired for under €60,000 with a little luck at the beginning of 2020, its price temporarily exceeded €200,000 at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. This is a historic increase in value that is unparalleled. Remember: We are still talking about watches with steel cases, whose prices are beyond the bounds of what one might imagine and expect—certainly also from the manufacturer itself.

But other Patek Philippe Nautilus models also saw immense increases in value between the beginning of 2018 and the beginning of 2022. Prices for these watches also skyrocketed by over 400%:

• 3700

• 3712

• 5164

• 5712

• 5990

Anyone who invested in one of these Patek Philippe models years ago had an extremely good nose.

Price development in the coming years

Some time has passed since prices for the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711 1A 010 exploded, and the market has calmed down somewhat. An original Ref. 5711 1A 010 is now available again for under €170,000, depending on its condition. That's still a record for a steel sports watch, but in comparison, it's almost reasonable.

Statements about how the value and prices of Patek Philippe timepieces will develop in the future are, of course, entirely in the realm of speculation. However, considering the performance of the steel Nautilus, it's reasonable to assume that drastic price increases could also be possible for its successor. In any case, a further significant drop in prices for the Nautilus 5711 model is not foreseeable.

Resale value

Given their historical performance, Patek Philippe steel Nautilus models promise a high resale value. Anyone who didn't purchase such a watch at the peak prices set in 2020 can expect substantial profits from its sale in the future.

What the resale value of the successor models will be is, of course, still up in the air. However, there is much to suggest that these white gold Patek Philippe models will also experience increases in value.

What influences the value of a Patek Philippe Nautilus?

Of particular interest are the factors that influence the value of a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch. These aspects are particularly noteworthy:

Case material

The material of the watch plays a key role. For example, the list prices for products with white gold cases are higher than those for steel models. However, in terms of market value, the Nautilus timepieces are the best example of how material is a factor that doesn't necessarily have to be the deciding factor.

Bracelet material

The material of the strap also affects the value. One might assume that straps made of expensive, metallic materials would drive up the price of the watch. However, the analysis shows the opposite: Patek Philippe Nautilus models with non-steel straps, in particular, saw their value increase particularly sharply.

List price vs. market price

It should be emphasized again at this point that the list price and the market price can differ significantly. Due to the ever-increasing supply of Nautilus products directly from the manufacturer, market prices can be expected to exceed the list price many times over, almost regardless of the model.

The price development of other Patek Philippe watches

Of course, Patek Philippe's product range extends far beyond the Nautilus series. However, going into detail about the price development of all models would go well beyond the scope of this article. Instead, we will limit ourselves to one observation that applies to many Patek Philippe watches: market prices are higher than the list prices. Only with a lot of patience, luck, and nerve is it possible to obtain luxury watches from the brand at significantly lower prices. This is at least true for products in good condition. For collectors and investors, this means: A Patek Philippe watch is a promising investment in almost every case.

Conclusion

A blue dial, a steel case, and a design that, according to legend, was once hastily sketched by Gérald Genta in a restaurant: the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 4711 1A 010 appears rather inconspicuous at first glance. Yet, it has experienced a rise in value that has left many a watch lover speechless. Even though the era of absolute top prices appears to be over, at least for now, steel watches are still traded far above list price. An original Nautilus 5711 is therefore not for bargain hunters, but rather an attractive investment for passionate—and financially strong—watch collectors.