The 5 Most Expensive Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches Sold At Auction

A Patek Philippe Nautilus is renowned for its elegance, precision, and rich history. Sotheby's has featured some of the most prestigious Patek Nautilus models in its auctions, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. This article highlights the top five most expensive Patek Philippe Nautilus watches sold at Sotheby's, showcasing their unique features, provenance, and the craftsmanship that makes them highly sought-after.

1. Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5711 Tiffany Blue Circa 2022, 20.4 million HKD

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5711 in Tiffany Blue sold for 20.4 million HKD in April 2023. The Patek Nautilus celebrated the 170th anniversary of the partnership between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. Introduced in 2021, it featured a stunning pastel blue dial, a hue exclusive to Tiffany & Co. This limited edition of 170 Patek Nautilus models marked the end of the 5711 reference, which had been a cornerstone of the Patek Nautilus collection since its introduction in 2006.

This particular Patek Nautilus was highly coveted due to its rarity and the historical significance of the Tiffany & Co. double stamp. The case back was inscribed with 170th Anniversary - 1851-2021 - Tiffany & Co. - Patek Philippe to highlight the enduring relationship between the two prestigious brands. Sold in brand new condition, it included all original accessories, making it a prized addition to any collection.

2. Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5720 White Gold, Diamond, and Enamel Circa 2012, 5.7 million HKD

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5720 sold for 5.7 milion HKD in April 2024. This Patek Nautilus was a special edition created to mark the opening of Patek Philippe's Shanghai branch in 2012. This Patek Nautilus featured an intricate design with a five-clawed dragon, a symbol of power and strength in Chinese culture. Handcrafted from 10 different enamel colors that vary slightly due to the enameling process, each Patek watch was unique.

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, the watch has 1,648 diamonds weighing 9.358 carats. The dial, decorated with pavé-set diamonds and an enameled dragon that bled into the bezel, was complemented by an 18k white gold case and bracelet. This Patek Nautilus was a true masterpiece in light of its rich cultural symbolism and exceptional craftsmanship.

3. Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5980 Pink Gold Flyback Circa 2020, 5.0 million HKD

This Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5980 sold for 5.0 million HKD in April 2022. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Patek Philippe introduced the Reference 5980, the first chronograph in the Patek Philippe Nautilus family. In 2013, this model received a luxurious upgrade in full pink gold. The dial, stamped with the prestigious "Tiffany & Co." signature, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Patek Philippe and the American jeweler.

This double-signed watch was another testament to the enduring partnership that began in 1851. The pink gold case and bracelet, along with the black dial, made this Patek Nautilus stand out. It was powered by the cal. 28-520 automatic movement and came with its original Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, and presentation box, making it a collector's dream.

4. Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5976/1G 40th Anniversary Circa 2016, $287,500

This Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5976/1G sold for $287,500 in December 2019. This Patek Nautilus was produced in a limited series of 1,300 pieces to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Patek Nautilus in 2016. The vibrant blue dial, adorned with baguette diamond hour markers and embossed with "1976-40-2016," paid tribute to this milestone. This Patek Nautilus was crafted from 18k white gold and featured a sapphire crystal display back.

Preserved in excellent condition, this Patek Nautilus was a rare find for collectors. It came with its original Certificate of Origin, anniversary attestation, and travel case, making it a valuable addition to any serious collection. The combination of its historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship made it highly desirable.

5. Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5711/1A-014 Stainless Steel Circa 2021, 529,200 CHF

This Nautilus Reference 5711/1A-014 was curated for auction in May 2022 and sold for 529,200 CHF. This Patek Nautilus featured an olive-green dial and was one of the latest iterations of the legendary watch at the time. Known for its simplicity and elegance, this model quickly became one of the most desired timepieces. The stainless steel case and bracelet, coupled with the unique dial color, set it apart from other Patek Nautilus models.

This watch came with a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, travel case, and presentation case, all in excellent condition. The cal. 26-330 automatic movement, housed within the 40mm case, ensured precision and reliability. Its understated design and exceptional quality made it a favorite among collectors.

The top five selling Patek Philippe Nautilus watches at Sotheby's exemplify the brand's dedication to excellence and innovation. Each Patek Nautilus has unique features, historical significance and successfully showcases the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines Patek Philippe. These Patek watches continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts, solidifying the Patek Nautilus as a cornerstone in the world of luxury timepieces.

How Much is a Patek Philippe Nautilus?

The price of a Patek Philippe Nautilus depends on factors such as reference, material, rarity, and provenance. A stainless steel Nautilus, like the coveted Ref. 5711, originally retailed for around $30,000 but frequently sells for well over $100,000 on the secondary market due to high demand. Gold and platinum versions, such as the Ref. 5980/1R or Ref. 5740G, typically range from $150,000 to $300,000. Limited editions and high-complication Nautilus models, such as the Ref. 5990/1400G set with diamonds, can command even higher prices. At auction, rare vintage Nautilus pieces and special editions have achieved record-breaking figures, often exceeding half a million dollars.

Advantages to Buying Patek Philippe Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Patek Philippe watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers exceptional Patek Philippe timepieces, from iconic classics to rare references. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Patek Philippe watch models from collectors around the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Patek Philippe watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Patek Philippe watch models not available online.

3. Value

While authorized Patek Philippe boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Patek Philippe watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Patek Philippe timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

4. Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Patek Philippe watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Patek Philippe watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches at Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Patek Philippe watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Patek Philippe models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Grand Complications, Aquanat, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Patek Philippe timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Patek Philippe watches start around $15,000 for models like the Patek Philippe Calatrava and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Grand Complications and Patek Philippe Nautilus often command starting prices of around $30,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $150,000.

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