The Five Most Expensive Patek Phillipe Nautilus Watches Sold at Auction in 2024

A Brief History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus

Since its introduction in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus has become one of the most coveted and refined sports watches in the world. Although it wasn’t the first luxury steel watch—the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak claimed that distinction in 1972—the Nautilus entered the market at a higher price point, famously advertised with the tagline, “One of the world’s costliest watches is made of steel.” Designed by Gérald Genta, the same visionary behind the Royal Oak, the Nautilus features a distinctive design inspired by a ship’s porthole, with a rounded octagonal bezel, horizontally embossed dial, and porthole-style case. Its name is derived from the submarine piloted by Captain Nemo in Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Today, the Nautilus remains a timeless icon and continues to achieve extraordinary prices at auctions.

Sotheby’s has had the privilege of auctioning several notable references of the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Here are the five most expensive Patek Philippe Nautilus watches sold at auction in 2024:

Patek Philippe Tiffany & Co., Reference 5723/112R-001, $900,000 USD

The Patek Philippe 'Tiffany & Co.' Reference 5723/112R-001 was sold for 900,000 USD in December 2024. This watch was introduced in 2016 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Nautilus. The ruby-set reference 5723/112R-001 is the epitome of luxury. Patek Philippe has rarely crafted watches adorned with colored gemstones, making this exceptional ruby-set piece an exclusive offering.

Never included in the brand's catalog, this magnificent Nautilus was available solely by invitation to the most prestigious clients. As this watch was discontinued in 2018, its appearance at auction presents a significant opportunity for collectors to acquire one of Patek Philippe's most iconic contemporary creations.

Patek Philippe Nautilus, Reference 5720, 5,715,000 HKD

The second most expensive was the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Reference 5720 which sold for 5,715,000 HKD in April 2024. To commemorate the opening of Patek Philippe's Shanghai branch in 2012, the brand released a series of limited-edition timepieces, including this exceptional Nautilus Reference 5720.

The watch features a meticulous enameled and engraved dragon. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a mythical creature which symbolizes strength, intellectuality, health and harmony. The Reference 5720 depicts a dragon amidst engraved clouds, each decorated with pavé-set diamonds. The dragon on the dial extends out to the bezel, which is enameled in ten colors. This watch is considered a unique piece as each timepiece varies slightly due to the hand enameling process. This creation embodies artistry and exclusivity, making it a true collector’s treasure.

Patek Philippe Nautilus, Reference 5711/1300A-001, $492,000 USD

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5711/1300A-001 sold for $492,000 in June 2024. When Patek Philippe introduced the original Nautilus Ref. 3700 “Jumbo” in 1976, it was a groundbreaking steel sports watch with a case diameter of 42mm. After its discontinuation in the mid-1990s, the Jumbo Nautilus returned in 2004 with the Reference 3711, followed by the Reference 5711 in 2006. The Reference 5711 watch features a center sweep seconds hand and exhibition case back.

The iconic steel Reference 5711 was shockingly discontinued in January 2021. Later, in April, Patek Philippe revealed two new iterations: Reference 5711/1A with an olive-green dial and Reference 5711/1300A featuring a diamond-set bezel. The latter includes 32 baguette-cut diamonds, a unique green dail, and its classic stainless-steel construction. Reference 5711/1300A is highly exclusive and distributed only to VIP clients, making this model desirable for collectors. This rare example, featuring provenance from actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone’s private collection, marks only the second time this model has been available on the market.

Patek Philippe Nautilus '40th Anniversary', Reference 5711, 2,880,000 HKD

The Patek Philippe Nautilus '40th Anniversary', Reference 5711 sold for 2,880,000 HKD in October 2024. Released in 2016 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Nautilus collection, the Patek Philippe 5711/1P is a rare and exclusive all-platinum timepiece, limited to only 700 pieces. This exceptional model combines the timeless elegance of the original Nautilus with subtle yet significant updates.

The watch features a stunning blue dial, enhanced by baguette-cut diamond hour markers. A date aperture at 3 o'clock seamlessly integrates into the dial, complementing the sophisticated diamond accents. This exquisite timepiece represents both a tribute to the classic Nautilus design and an evolution in Patek Philippe's craftsmanship, making it a coveted addition to any collection.

Patek Philippe Nautilus '40th anniversary', Reference 5711/1P-00, CHF 317,500

The Patek Philippe Nautilus '40th anniversary', Reference 5711/1P-00 sold for CHF 317,500 in May 2024. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1P was introduced in 2016 to mark the model’s 40th anniversary. This platinum crafted timepiece is a limited edition of just 700 pieces. It features a striking blue dial with baguette diamond hour markers and the embossed "40 1976-2016" logo, along with a discreet diamond at 6 o'clock, highlighting its precious metal construction.

Powered by the renowned calibre 324 SC with 217 hand-finished components, this timepiece exemplifies Patek Philippe’s exceptional craftsmanship. Accompanied by original accessories, including a vintage-style cork box, it remains a highly sought-after masterpiece, rarely seen on the auction market.

Buy or Sell a Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch with Sotheby's

At Sotheby’s, our experienced specialists have helped build a robust collection of Patek Philippe Nautilus watches available for sale and auction. Whether you are curious about the value of a modern or vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus, Sotheby's is on hand to support as a trusted partner for selling or purchasing your next Patek Philippe watch.