Sport · 3 Models · Switzerland

Patek Philippe Nautilus Price Guide

$100,000 – $180,000 · Avg Score: 86/100 · From $360/yr
40mm
Automatic
120m WR

About the Patek Philippe Nautilus

Iconic luxury sports watch designed by Gérald Genta

Luxury sport watches bridge the gap between tool watches and haute horlogerie. Models like the Nautilus and Royal Oak created the luxury sports watch category in the 1970s, proving that a steel watch could command gold-level prices through superior design and finishing.

What to Look For

Sport watch buyers should consider the integrated bracelet design (a hallmark of the category), water resistance adequate for daily wear (100m+), movement robustness including anti-magnetic properties, and overall case/bracelet finishing. The best examples feature hand-finished movements despite their sporty exterior.

Wearing Context

The luxury sport watch is arguably the most versatile category in modern watchmaking. An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Patek Philippe Nautilus is appropriate with everything from shorts to a suit. This versatility drives both demand and resale values.

Buying a Patek Philippe Nautilus

Patek Philippe maintains extremely tight distribution control. Popular models like the Nautilus and Aquanaut are virtually impossible to purchase at retail without an extensive purchase history. Many collectors wait years and purchase multiple "entry" pieces before being offered a steel sport model.

Which Nautilus Should You Buy?

With 3 models in the collection, choosing the right Nautilus depends on your priorities. For the best long-term value, the 5811/1G-001 (White Gold/Blue) leads with a Value Score of 86/100, reflecting superior value retention and market demand.

For the lowest cost of ownership, the 5980/1A-001 (Steel/Chronograph) costs just $360/year to own — factoring in depreciation, servicing, and insurance. This makes it the most efficient choice for daily wearing pleasure.

The table below ranks every current model. Click any reference number for full analysis including price history, Value Score breakdown, and our personalized "Should I Buy?" calculator.

3
Models
86
Avg Value Score
86
Best Score
$360
Lowest Own/Yr

All Nautilus Models Compared

RefVariantMarket PriceRetailOwn/YrScore
5811/1G-001White Gold/Blue$120,000–$180,000$69,830$420/yr86
5712/1A-001Steel/Power Reserve/Moon Phase$100,000–$150,000$52,070$370/yr86
5980/1A-001Steel/Chronograph$100,000–$140,000$69,580$360/yr86

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Patek Philippe Nautilus cost?
The Patek Philippe Nautilus ranges from $100,000 to $180,000 on the secondary market depending on the reference, condition, and completeness. There are 3 current models in the collection, with the entry point being the 5980/1A-001 (Steel/Chronograph).
Which Nautilus model has the best value?
The 5811/1G-001 (White Gold/Blue) achieves the highest Value Score of 86/100 in the collection. This accounts for value retention, brand strength, specifications, liquidity, and price-to-spec ratio.
What does it cost per year to own a Nautilus?
Annual ownership costs range from $360/year (5980/1A-001) to $420/year, averaging $383/year across all models. This includes depreciation, amortized servicing, and insurance.
Is the Nautilus suitable for swimming?
With 120m water resistance, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is suitable for swimming and water sports but not recommended for diving. The 100m rating handles splashes and brief immersion.

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