Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 to be Discontinued and Replaced? The Rumour is on Instagram…
The rumour machine is on and running fast.
Wait… Are we seriously saying that? Well, first of all, let’s make things clear. Nothing is official, nothing is confirmed, nothing is even remotely close to indicate that Patek Philippe’s most coveted model, the classic time-and-date blue dial Nautilus reference 5711/1A, is about to be discontinued and replaced. At least officially. Indeed, a closer look at Instagram, specifically Jasem Al Zeraei’s account, a Patek collector and specialist also known as @patekaholic, has been creating some buzz and the rumour machine that is this social network is now working. So, are we about to see an updated Nautilus soon…? If nothing is certain, the question is opened.
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The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, the brand’s modern vision of the steel luxury sports watch with integrated bracelet, the direct descendant of the reference 3700 introduced in 1976, is one of the most (if not the most) sought-after models on the market. While the watch retails for about EUR 30,000, finding one is almost impossible (expect an almost decade-long waiting list) and priced have sky-rocketed on the second-hand market to reach new heights, at about EUR 70,000 recently. With such a success, would it make sense for Patek Philippe to discontinue this model? At first, certainly not.
However, Jasem’s Instagram account tends to say the opposite, or at least it draws the question of the model to be soon phased out and replaced by a new reference, the 6711/1A. While even Jasem Al Zeraei/Patekaholic states that it is unconfirmed yet, Instagram is an impressive machine when it comes to rumours and discussing the possibility of a new model to be introduced. In such situations, every collector has his own opinion on things and, of course, this post has been highly discussed, with some reactions, for instance, indicating that the rumour is wrong; “Just spoke to the GM of Henri Stern, confirmed the 5711 is NOT/NOT discontinued” says for instance @patek_ambassador.
On the other hand, Patek Philippe’s CEO Thierry Stern stated multiple times that he could stop the production of the reference 5711. “If I was really courageous, I should stop Nautilus (…) We’ve made enough now,” he said to GQ here, adding that “personally, I’d like to stop producing the Nautilus (…) We seriously think about moving to something else,” in an interview to bilan.ch (in French).
What we know is that we don’t know for now. But what if we have a bit of imagination.
Let’s assume, for the fun of the discussion, that the rumour is leading towards reality. Are there signs that the Nautilus 5711 could be discontinued? Looking at the watch itself, and while the design is absolutely superb, there’s room for improvement. For instance, Patek Philippe could easily add a fine adjustment to the folding clasp, something that is missing now. Also, while other brands are implementing quick-exchange systems to switch between bracelet and strap, the 5711 can only be worn on a metal bracelet.
In the same vein, while Patek Philippe has added a stop-seconds function in 2019 with the introduction of the calibre 26-330 SC (replacing the calibre 324 SC), this movement is still having a short power reserve of only 35h-45h. An update of the Patek Philippe Nautilus time-and-date could refresh the model and bring some of the features that the competition is now offering.
Now comes the question of commercial matters? Why would Patek Philippe discontinue the 5711 and replace it with a new model, knowing it is one of the most desirable watches on the market? Well, the answer is simply here. The 5711 might have reached its peak in popularity and Patek could somehow want to make its client happy by avoiding that the watch loses some of its interest, and coincidentally, some of the premium linked to it. How to do that? By stopping production and launching a new model. The effect of discontinuation has been proven in the past when Patek stopped the production of the white dial 5711. It used to be a slightly neglected model but once it was phased out, prices on the second-hand market quickly raised to almost reach the prices of blue dial versions. But remember that all of that is pure speculation and based on rumours.
Another possibility could be the introduction of a larger model, just as Patek did with the Aquanaut, adding to the collection the reference 5168G, with its 42mm case. Could Patek bring a “jumbo” Nautilus with a 42mm case?
As always, feel free to discuss this question of the discontinuation of the Nautilus 5711. Do you think it is realistic? Do you think it will happen soon or do you think Patek Philippe will maintain the watch as it is now? And if it is replaced, what would you like to see in a new Nautilus? Share your thoughts with us in the comment box.
Update 22/01/2021 - we can confirm that the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 (steel, blue dial) is on the "run-out" list
11 responses
Well, how about a date disc matching the dial color? Small thing but a huge estetic improvement.
@RolleFC – this would indeed be an improvement. Small step but one that can make a difference
This rumor tracks with what Patek has been saying for some time. They don’t want to be the business of stainless-steel, which Stern sees as a fad (albeit an extended one), when stainless-steel commands a higher premium than gold watches and even some other complications. This is not an issue for Rolex, but for haute horologie maison like Patek, this can be a real long-term problem. Additionally limiting or stopping Nautilus pre-empts the AP royal Oak effect. I think Stern doesn’t want Patek to be iconic only for Nautilus and/or Aquanaut. So the question is how do you bring the Calatravas, and their other range to a newer customer?
@Ghati – interesting comment! Thanks!
If they’re going to update it, they should get rid of the seconds hand.
No seconds is an important part of what made the 3700 (and the Royal Oak) so great, and is why the 5711 is less special.
A bit like the CEO of Ford saying “I know that the Fiesta is our biggest seller and makes us enormous amounts of money but I think we have made enough”. I wonder what the shareholders think. Personally, I don’t want one so the fact that I would find it harder to get one than it currently is is hardly an issue, there are plenty alternatives. The only Patek that has really impressed me was a gold pocket watch that I saw in the Clockmakers museum in London, a truly exquisite thing.
@ Phil Ford did actually discontinue the FIesta and ALL sedans. Ford said they make more money on SUVs. I’ll bet Patek makes much more money on complicated watches(ie 5270,..) so they should discontinue the 5711.
It would be the most genius step to create a legend. Then for several years only produce Nautilus with complications or in precious metal. That way, they would get rid of the flippers’ calls/visits they get. I think they are also very afraid to have a new customer group they do not want. Some ultra luxury bags, clothes, etc image were destroyed because they favored volumes and attracted unwanted customers.
Also, of course Stern said many times that he does not want to be a on model brand and that he does not like steel. Really wanted watches are usually attributed to loyal customers. This Nautilus and Aquanaut seem a little out of control.
So now it has been confirmed?
@PPAP – Instagram says so, but we’re still waiting for an official statement from Patek before saying that it is “officially discontinued”
Do not sell your discontinued 5711. The new one will be more cheaply made with more industrial finish and most likely a new easier to manufacture movement. But with more power reserve off course just to impress the innocent .and make him accept a small price increase . All this story reminds me the Audemars royal oak trick. 15300 at first -then 15400 ( with simplified clasp and machine made bevels ) and finally 15500 (with machine made bevels on bridges and no bevels at all on steel parts and with less parts in the movement. But the thicker -industrial looking movement justifιes the price increase….