Patek Philippe announced earlier this year that their super popular Nautilus 5711 in steel will be discontinued. And to conclude, will release a final edition model. This is the the Final Edition – the last of the Mohicans, so to speak, in an olive green dial.
When the announcement went public, the market went into a frenzy. No, this is inaccurate. It went berserk even before any confirmation was received, based purely on speculation that Patek will discontinue the Ref. 5711/1A. And has been in this state since late 2020. Secondary prices of both grey/black market NIB pieces, as well as pre-owned watches went through the roof. We saw asking prices soar above SGD 100k, especially the then existing model with the blue dial. The white dial version was discontinued some time before that. It too saw a surge in prices. When Thierry Stern confirmed that indeed they will discontinue the steel Nautilus, in a move away from steel to precious metal, the market surged once again. Anecdotally, we saw the asking prices top SGD 180k. For a time only watch in stainless steel. As an owner of the Ref. 5711/1A-010, I am bemused at this madness. I bought the watch at full retail in 2018 for about SGD 32k. Patek’s retail price has steadily risen over the last 3 years, and this new Nautilus in olive green dial is now SGD 46k.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-014 Olive Green dial
Retail price is SGD 46,000.
Everything on this new Ref. 5711/1A-014 olive green dial is the same as the recently departed Ref. 5711/1A-010 blue dial, which has been removed from the current Patek Nautilus catalog. For a full discussion on the 5711, we recommend you read:
Fifty shades of green. All Olive Green.
The only difference from the older model is the dial. Here, it is presented in what Patek calls “olive green”. I find this a very clever colour choice by Patek, as though it is noticeably green, but yet it is very subtle and suitably discreet. The dial shimmers with a green glint, but the hue is not immediately obvious. In different lighting conditions, and light angles, it can appear from a dark, almost black grey with hints of green. Or a beautiful olive green with a radiating with the sunburst pattern. The following photograph (wallpaper sized image for personal use in link) captures this green hue best in our view.
The embossed horizontal pattern in the form of raised lines separated from each other by slimmer lines in relief remain unchanged from earlier models. As is the cartouche for the “PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE” two line logo, which interrupts the lines. Even earlier versions, prior to 2018, had no cartouche, but the logo printed on two raised lines.
The indices and hands remain the same as well. These are baton shaped numerals with SuperLuminova infill for the indices and hour and minute hands. While the seconds hand is a slim needle with a arrowhead counterweight. The hands and appliqués are in white gold. A framed date aperture at 3 o’clock completes the dial layout.
The identifying characteristic of the Nautilus – the case and bracelet is unchanged. The bezel is the rounded octagon shape is now a familiar signature. The contrasting surface in a satin linear graining on the top and polished sloping sides remain. The case middle, which is a masterful work also retains the iconic shape with “ears” on both sides.
An the bracelet remains exactly the same as the outgoing model, with the alternate brushed and polished links, integrated into the case.
The Caliber 26‑330 S C: Patek now does seconds hack
The movement is also remains the Caliber 26-330 SC which has been in the Nautilus since mid-2019. This movement is from the new generation of Patek movements which now provide a seconds hacking mechanism. My 5711 of 2018 is equipped with a Caliber 324 S C. Both movements are in-house manufactured, and feature the Patek Philippe Seal.
Movement finishing is good, but not exceptional, and perhaps adequate. The haute horlogerie finnisage detailing is all in place, but perhaps could be improved by being executed finer and incorporate more virtuoso features like sharp inward angles. The movement is wound by a 21k gold rotor to provide a power autonomy of 45 hours. A Patek patented Gyromax balance equipped with a Spiromax spring beating at 28,800 bph, keeps the chronometry.
On the wrist and wear impressions
At 40mm case is just 8.3mm thick, and the 5711/1A-014 fits comfortably on the wrist. Exactly the same as in the earlier renditions. This is what makes the Nautilus special. Those who have now tried on one their wrist, may just waived away the great reverence for the watch as just rubbish. But put it on the wrist, and the watch exudes a certain magical feel. It is slim, hugs the wrist beautifully, and feels very sturdy and solid. The only nit pick is the tri-fold deployant clasp is rather difficult to open, requiring a somewhat alarmingly hard tug to release.
The Nautilus 5711/1A-014 is now in stores, and Patek Philippe policy is for the stores to display each piece they receive for 2 weeks. And you can view the watches during this period. But the reality of owning such a piece is rather remote, as there is a very demand for the pieces, especially at retail price. Only the most well connected collectors need apply.
Photo Notes
Photographed in the Patek Philippe offices in Singapore. Hasselblad H3D-39 with HC 4/120 Macro and HC 2.8/80 with H28 extension tube. Profoto strobes.
