Okay, so I’ve been messing around with watches for a while now, and I gotta say, the Patek Philippe 5711, it’s like the holy grail for a lot of us watch nerds. I finally got my hands on one, and let me tell you, the journey was something else.

It all started a few years back when I was just browsing online, you know, window shopping for stuff I couldn’t afford. I stumbled upon this beauty, the 5711, and I was hooked. I started digging, reading everything I could about it. I found out the original model, the 5711/1R-001, retailed for around $51,000 when it came out in 2015. But good luck finding one for that price now! I saw that a factory-sealed one sold at a Christie’s auction for a mind-blowing $340,773!
I spent months, maybe even years, just dreaming about this watch. I’d check out forums, read reviews, and just drool over pictures. I learned that Patek makes a ton of different models, like 246 or something. So each one, especially the popular ones like the Nautilus 5711/1A, they’re pretty rare. That scarcity, man, it just adds to the appeal.
Then there was that limited edition Tiffany Blue one. Only 170 pieces made! They were only selling them at boutiques in New York, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco. I heard the retail price was $52,635, but some people were saying it was worth over $500k at one point! It’s crazy how much these things can go for. The price is like, whatever people are willing to pay, right?
The Hunt Begins
So, I started saving up. Every penny I could, I put aside. I even considered selling some of my other watches, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I started looking around, checking out different sellers. I found a bunch of listings on Chrono24 for the 5711, some going for way over $100,000.
Modding a Cheaper One?
Someone on a forum mentioned that you could get a “modded” version for like $500. Apparently, it’s like taking a cheaper model, the PPF 5711, and tweaking it to look like the real deal. But that didn’t feel right to me. I wanted the real thing, the authentic experience. Even I saw the price trends for the 5711/1A were all over the place, it starts at $34,890 or something, but then it jumps to over $100,000 depending on the model and condition. It’s a wild market.

Finally, after what felt like forever, I found one. It wasn’t cheap, not at all. But it was worth it. Holding it in my hands, feeling the weight of it, seeing the craftsmanship up close… it was a dream come true. I ended up getting a pre-owned 5711/111P-001, the one with the sapphire bezel. It’s a 40mm case, and it’s just gorgeous. Even just reading the reviews from other owners got me even more excited.
This whole experience, it’s been a rollercoaster. But it just goes to show, if you really want something, and you’re willing to work for it, you can make it happen. It took time, a lot of research, and a whole lot of saving, but I finally got my 5711.
- Started with online window shopping.
- Discovered the 5711 and got hooked.
- Found out about the insane auction prices.
- Learned about the limited edition Tiffany Blue model.
- Saved up for ages.
- Considered a modded version but decided against it.
- Scoured the internet for listings.
- Finally found and bought a pre-owned 5711/111P-001.
Man, this watch… it’s more than just a timepiece. It’s a symbol of hard work, dedication, and a little bit of obsession. And yeah, maybe it’s just a material thing, but for me, it’s a reminder that anything is possible. Now, I just gotta figure out how to explain this purchase to my wife…