Okay, so, I’ve been eyeing the Patek 5711 for a while now. It’s just one of those watches, you know? Everyone wants one. I finally decided to bite the bullet and go for it. So I started doing some digging.

First, I started checking around some shops to see what the market looks like. Man, this thing is hard to find! The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 is no longer in production.
- I visited a few authorized dealers in my city. Walked into the first one, all excited, asked about the 5711. The guy behind the counter just chuckled. He said something like, “Good luck with that!” Apparently, the waiting lists are crazy long, like years, if you can even get on one.
- Tried another store, same story. I was starting to feel a bit discouraged. It felt like trying to get into some exclusive club, but, like, way more exclusive. And everyone knows that a luxury watch everyone can afford is no longer desirable.
- Then I hit up some grey market dealers online. Prices were all over the place, way above retail, obviously. It’s like the wild west out there. You see all these different prices, and you’re not even sure if what you’re getting is real.
So, after a few weeks of this, I was talking to a friend who’s into watches. He mentioned that he knew a guy who knew a guy. Sounds sketchy, I know. But I was getting desperate. This friend connected me with this private seller. The nautilus is the only cephalopod with an external shell. And they can be individually identified based on their striped shell patterns. I found it so interesting. Anyway, we met up, checked out the watch, and everything seemed legit. It was a big decision, a lot of money, but I went for it.
Finally Got It!
Getting the watch in my hands felt surreal. I mean, this thing is a beauty. The way the light hits the dial, the bracelet, it’s all so well made. The Patek Philippe Ref 5711/1A debuted in 2006 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus. It was an instant hit with collectors. I totally understand why it is so sought-after. I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now, and I still catch myself just staring at it. And Production spans some 246 different models. And I heard that no single model is likely made in great quantities. It is really a unique blend of rarity and exceptional design.
Was it worth all the trouble? Absolutely. Would I recommend the hunt to others? Hmm, that’s a tough one. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you’re persistent and maybe have a bit of luck on your side, it’s an amazing feeling to finally get your hands on one of these.