Patek Philippe Nautilus Cost: What to Know Before You Buy

Prices for the Patek Philippe Nautilus are all over the map. For example, entry-level women’s steel models start around $39,000 at retail, while the current men’s 5811/1G is about $89,767. But that’s just the beginning, of course. Demand has outpaced supply these days, pushing secondary-market prices anywhere from $70,000 to well over $1.5 million for rare or discontinued watches. In this guide, we’ll break down what the Nautilus really costs, why retail and market prices vary so dramatically, and what drives the value of each major reference.

Key Takeaways:

Scarcity is Key: Authorized Dealers have multi-year waiting lists, making retail prices largely theoretical for most buyers. The secondary market is the only viable option for immediate purchase.

Iconic Models: The discontinued stainless steel Nautilus 5711/1A is the most famous modern reference, setting the tone for the collection’s hype. Its successor, the white gold 5811/1G, continues this legacy.

Price Drivers: Cost is determined by reference number, material (steel is ironically among the most desired), complications (like a chronograph or moonphase), dial color, rarity, and condition.

Understanding these price dynamics is the first step to navigating the complex world of the Nautilus. Read on as we explore the specific costs for the collection’s most sought-after watches.

Patek Philippe Nautilus: Retail Price vs. Real Market Cost

There’s a pretty large gap between what Patek Philippe charges for a Nautilus on their website and what buyers are actually paying on the pre-owned luxury watch market. This gap can be confusing for some buyers. At the same time, it also underscores why the Nautilus has become such a revered status symbol and valuable collector’s item.

What is the Official Retail Price of a Nautilus?

Patek Philippe’s MSRP is available only from its small, exclusive global network of Authorized Dealers (ADs). In theory, these are the prices you can find to buy a new Nautilus off the shelf from Patek Philippe’s official retail outlets. Retail: In practice, however, getting any Nautilus at retail is nearly impossible and usually requires an established relationship with an AD. As mentioned in our Patek Philippe Nautilus review, many dealers have shut their waitlists completely, or will only offer these watches to their most loyal customers who have bought several pieces over the course of years. For many, the retail price is more of a guideline than a reality.

Current retail prices for select Nautilus models include:

Ladies’ Steel 7118/1A: Starts around $39,264

Men’s White Gold 5811/1G: Starts around $89,767

Rose Gold Chronograph 5980/1R: Over $180,000

Gem-Set Models: Can exceed $593,000+

Why is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Cost on the Secondary Market Higher?

In the watch world, the pre-owned or “grey” market refers to watches sold outside official retail channels, either through trusted resellers or private collectors, for example. Because prices are driven only by supply and demand, many Nautiluses end up trading hands for well above their original retail value.

Here’s a quick look at some of the factors behind the elevated prices:

Extreme Scarcity: Patek Philippe produces relatively few watches each year compared to other luxury brands, maintaining exclusivity through limited production.

Overwhelming Demand: The Nautilus is arguably the world’s most desired luxury sports watch, with demand far exceeding the available supply.

Iconic Status: Designed by legendary watch designer Gérald Genta in 1976, the Nautilus has a storied history and instantly recognizable aesthetic that collectors prize.

Discontinued Models: When a popular model like the 5711/1A is discontinued, its price typically skyrockets as collectors rush to secure remaining examples.

Celebrity Endorsement: Worn by major celebrities, athletes, and prominent collectors, the Nautilus benefits from high-profile visibility that fuels desirability.

Nautilus Price Comparison: Retail vs. Market

The chart below shows just how wide the gap has become between official retail prices and what these watches are actually selling for on the open market in 2025.

Model Reference | Material | Retail Price (MSRP) | Approx. Market Price (2025)
5711/1A-010 (Blue) | Stainless Steel | $34,890 (Discontinued) | $130,000 – $160,000+
5711/1A-014 (Green) | Stainless Steel | $34,890 (Discontinued) | $250,000 – $350,000+
5811/1G-001 | White Gold | $89,767 | $145,000 – $175,000+
5712/1A-001 | Stainless Steel | $51,850 | $120,000 – $150,000+
5990/1A-001 | Stainless Steel | $68,600 (Discontinued) | $160,000 – $200,000+
5711/1A-018 (Tiffany) | Stainless Steel | $52,635 (Limited) | $1,500,000+

How Much Does a Patek Philippe Nautilus Cost?

Knowing what each Nautilus model typically sells for can help buyers set realistic expectations when it comes time to buy. Every reference has its own design details and complications that affect its value. Below, we’ll break down the prices of the most collectible and in-demand Nautilus models so far in 2025.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 Cost

The watch that launched the modern hype train. The Patek Philippe 5711 is the original, “stock” time-and-date Nautilus, made from 2006 to 2021. Iconic 40mm steel case with integrated bracelet. Values for this watch skyrocketed after it was discontinued, especially the last run of green and Tiffany Blue dial versions.

Reference: 5711/1A (Steel)

Status: Discontinued

Complication: Time and Date

Approx. Market Cost: $130,000 – $350,000+ (depending on dial color)

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 Cost

The Patek Philippe 5712 is for collectors who want something more than just a simple three-hand watch. It features an asymmetrical dial adorned with a moonphase display, power reserve indicator, and date. The additional cost is more than justified when you consider the complexity, which, of course, only adds to its popularity among passionate collectors.

Reference: 5712/1A (Steel)

Status: Discontinued

Complication: Moonphase, Date, Power Reserve

Approx. Market Cost: $120,000 – $150,000+

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A Cost

The “Travel Time Chronograph” is the ultimate tool watch in the Nautilus family. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A-001 cost is high, as it combines a flyback chronograph with a dual-time-zone function, all housed in the classic steel case.

Reference: 5990/1A (Steel)

Status: In Production (blue dial replaced grey)

Complication: Flyback Chronograph, Travel Time (Dual Time)

Approx. Market Cost: $160,000 – $210,000+

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811 Cost

The official successor to the 5711. Introduced in 2022, the Patek Philippe 5811 is slightly larger (41mm) and was released exclusively in white gold. It features an updated clasp and a two-part case construction reminiscent of the original 1976 Nautilus.

Reference: 5811/1G (White Gold)

Status: In Production

Complication: Time and Date

Approx. Market Cost: $145,000 – $175,000+

Other Notable Nautilus Model Costs (Rose Gold & Gem-Set)

Beyond the steel icons, the Nautilus is a platform for precious metals and high jewelry. Rose gold models are warmer and more luxurious. Gem-set models, like the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5723/1R, are in another stratosphere of cost, however, featuring bezels and indices set with diamonds, rubies, or sapphires.

Nautilus 5711/1R (Rose Gold): $160,000 – $200,000

Nautilus 5712R (Rose Gold): $100,000 – $125,000

Nautilus 5723/1R (Rose Gold, Ruby Bezel): $350,000 – $450,000+

Nautilus 7118 (Ladies’): $70,000 – $100,000+

What Factors Determine the Cost of a Patek Philippe Nautilus?

There are a number of factors that affect the value of any Nautilus watch. It helps to be aware of what they are, as it will make you a better-informed buyer and also explain the sometimes enormous price differences between otherwise very similar watches.

Model & Reference Number: The single most important factor. A 5711 is not a 5712, and the “Tiffany” 5711 is the most expensive of all.

Material (Steel vs. Gold vs. Platinum): Ironically, the stainless steel Nautilus is often the most desirable and commands the highest premiums over retail due to its “luxury sport” heritage. The Rose gold Nautilus and white gold are also extremely popular.

Complications: Watches with more complications cost more. A simple time-and-date (5711) is the base, a moonphase (5712) is next, and a chronograph/travel time (5990) or perpetual calendar (5740) is at the top.

Rarity & Discontinuation: When Patek Philippe discontinues a model, demand shifts to the secondary market, and prices surge. Limited editions (like the Green or Tiffany 5711) are the most extreme examples.

Dial Color: The classic Patek Philippe Nautilus blue dial is the most iconic. However, special dials like olive green and, above all, “Tiffany Blue” carry enormous premiums.

Condition & Provenance: A watch in unworn or like-new condition with its original box, papers, and warranty card will always be more expensive than a naked watch with scratches.

The Enduring Value of the Patek Philippe Nautilus

When it comes down to it, the Patek Philippe Nautilus for sale represents the price of excellence. It has a strong reputation and consistently tops many collectors’ must-have lists. From the legendary 5711 to the technically brilliant 5990, it’s all here, representing the best and most exclusive watches on the market. Don’t panic, though, it’s still very much a grail!
At retail, Patek Philippe Nautilus prices start around $39,000 for a ladies’ model and $89,767 for a men’s model. However, on the open market, you can expect to pay a minimum of $70,000 for a ladies’ watch and $120,000 to $160,000+ for popular men’s steel models like the 5712 or discontinued 5711. Yes, Patek Philippe is significantly more expensive than Rolex. While a steel Rolex Submariner may sell for $15,000, a steel Patek Philippe Nautilus will sell for over $130,000, reflecting Patek Philippe’s position as one of the “holy trinity” brands of watchmaking. The retail price (MSRP) for the current men’s 5811/1G (white gold) is $89,767, and the ladies’ 7118/1A (steel) starts at $39,264. These prices are much lower than market prices due to the seemingly never-ending waitlists and limited availability through Authorized Dealers. Prices for 2025 reflect the current market, with a steel Nautilus 5711 costing approximately $130,000 – $160,000, a 5712/1A around $140,000, and the white gold 5811 around $150,000. The Nautilus remains one of the most valuable and sought-after watches in the world.