Shop Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches With Bezel
Interested in adding the iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus to your collection? We have an extensive catalog of pre-owned men's and women's Nautilus watches in our collection. The Patek Philippe Nautilus timepiece has captivated watch aficionados since it made its debut over 40 years ago and remains one of the most coveted luxury watches in the world, available at different price levels for buyers. The Nautilus combines sporty sophistication and refined aesthetics, capturing the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The Legacy of Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is one of the most iconic watches in luxury watchmaking. This highly sought-after watch made its debut in 1976 as Patek’s first luxury sports watch, a category pioneered by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972. Interestingly, both watches were created by the same designer, the legendary Gérald Genta, and they share several similarities.
The 1970s were tumultuous for Swiss luxury watchmakers. Commonly referred to as the quartz crisis, this period was characterized by the emergence of battery-powered quartz watches that were inherently cheaper than traditional mechanical watches. While many brands either had to close down or adopt quartz movements, a few conventional Swiss watchmakers were able to redefine their brand during this period by introducing unique timepieces that allowed them to attract a new audience. The Nautilus is one such watch.
To create this unique watch, Patek Philippe commissioned the legendary watchmaker Gérald Genta to create a mechanical sports watch that blended unique style and utility. Like the Royal Oak designed by Genta a few years earlier, the Nautilus’ design is imbued with nautical inspiration. Genta’s design of the Nautilus’ distinctive octagonal case with rounded corners was inspired by the shape of a ship’s porthole.
While the Royal Oak pioneered luxury sports watches, the Nautilus is often credited for popularizing the niche. Patek Philippe brazenly adopted the idea of a stainless steel watch that sold at the same price as gold watches. The watchmaker used taglines like "One of the world's costliest watches is made of steel" to announce the release of this spectacular timepiece. These campaigns made luxury sports watches like the Nautilus more desirable for buyers, elevating the status of the luxury sports watch niche from just another experimental design to a best-seller.
What Does a Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch Cost
In recent years, the Nautilus collection has become one of the most desirable Patek Philippe watches. Several models within this collection command a high price tag in retail. Nautilus watches also tend to age very well, with many models gaining even more value in the secondary market than in retail. Demand for some models of this luxury sports watch can get so high that waiting lists become several years long, while prices in the secondary market skyrocket to astronomical levels.
Retail Cost
Buying a brand new Patek Philippe Nautilus watch costs about $30,000 for basic stainless steel models. However, it can also go as high as $100,000 or more for variants with complications or those made from precious metals or decorated with precious stones. The high price tag of the watches in this collection is due to the sense of exclusivity, prestige, and craftsmanship associated with the Patek Philippe brand.
How Much Does a Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Nautilus Cost
The Nautilus remains one of the most successful Patek Philippe collections. The watches in this line are known for their tendency to gain value in the pre-owned luxury watch market due to their scarcity and high demand.
A good example to demonstrate this is the discontinued reference 5711. In 2015, the stainless steel Ref. 5711/1A-010 with the signature blue dial sold for about $25,000. But by early 2024, this watch was selling for $134,000.
For buyers interested in vintage Nautilus watches, you may find models from the 80s or 90s for an average price of about $65,000. However, some more sought-after pre-owned Patek Philippe watches, like the extremely rare Nautilus 3700 or 3711, tend to cost even higher (between $147,000 and $293,000). The average Patek Philippe Nautilus price for newer models varies between $164,000 and $435,000 in the secondary market.
Key Features of Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
Porthole-Shaped case
The porthole-shaped case is a defining quality of the Patek Nautilus. To design this case, Gerald Genta borrowed inspiration from a ship’s porthole. This design also includes “ears’ on the sides of the case designed to mimic the hinges on the porthole window. In some models with complications, the traditional “ears” are pushers for controlling the watch functions.
Rounded Octagonal Bezel
Another feature that makes the Nautilus instantly recognizable is its iconic bezel. Instead of traditional round-style bezels, Nautilus watches are characterized by an eight-sided Bezel with rounded corners. This gives the Bezel a softer profile than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Horizontal Embossed Dial
The dial of Nautilus watches typically features horizontal grooved lines. This feature adds depth and a distinctive texture to the dial, with a mesmerizing effect when it catches the light at the right angle. Patek Philippe Nautilus dials are generally known for their simplicity, visual harmony, and legibility, even for the most complex models.
Integrated Bracelet
Like other luxury sports watches, the metal bracelet of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is integrated into the case instead of using regular extending lugs. This design feature gives the watch a balanced profile and a sporty feel on the wrist.
Popular Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches
Patek Philippe offers a wide range of Aquanaut models to cater to users with different tastes and preferences. The collection includes everything from simple time-and-date models like the Ref. 5167 to complicated models like the Aquanaut Travel Time (Ref. 5164) and Chronograph (Ref. 5968A-001). These watches are also available in stainless steel, yellow gold, and white gold. A few variations (especially in the Aquanaut Luce collection) have their bezel decorated with precious gemstones.
Selling Your Patek Philippe Aquanaut is Easy with Bezel
Are you looking to sell your Patek Philippe Nautilus timepiece? We invite you to get it listed on our online marketplace for pre-owned luxury watches. This will connect you to a massive market of luxury watch enthusiasts interested in buying timepieces like yours.
Bezel offers a wide range of services aimed at helping you get the highest value from selling your Nautilus watch. We aim to provide a seamless and rewarding selling experience to anyone interested in selling their prized timepiece.
Our experts will handle all sales process stages, including authenticating your watch, marketing, managing buyer inquiries, and payment processing. You can rest assured that you’re getting exceptional services while maximizing the returns on your treasured timepiece.
Turn to Bezel for All of Your Luxury Wristwatch Needs
Bezel carries an extensive collection of Patek Philippe Nautilus watches alongside other watches from some of the biggest brands in the horological industry. On the Bezel app or site, you will find watches from top brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega, etc. Our online marketplace simplifies finding these pre-owned luxury watches by allowing you to filter your search based on the brand name, material, case size, and price.
If you need a watch not currently listed on our site, contact our knowledgeable concierge customer service reps, who will help you track the piece through our network of reliable sellers and industry insiders.
By shopping for pre-owned luxury watches on Bezel, you opt for authenticity and exceptional service. Every watch in our catalog has been meticulously authenticated by our team of experts through a comprehensive in-house authentication process, guaranteeing its quality and genuineness. Additionally, purchases are covered by a buyer protection policy. You can shop with complete confidence, knowing that you’re getting exactly what you pay for.
