Patek Philippe Nautilus vs Aquanaut: Which Should You Choose?

Patek Philippe's sports watch offerings have become some of the most coveted timepieces in the luxury watch market. The Nautilus and Aquanaut represent the pinnacle of elegant sports watches, but choosing between them can be challenging.

The Nautilus, designed by Gérald Genta in 1976, features an octagonal bezel with rounded edges and horizontal embossed dial. Its integrated bracelet and porthole-inspired case make it instantly recognizable. The Nautilus is available in stainless steel, gold, and two-tone configurations, with the steel reference 5711 being particularly sought-after.

The Aquanaut, introduced in 1997, offers a more modern and youthful interpretation of the sports watch concept. It features a rounded octagonal case, embossed checkerboard dial, and a comfortable composite strap. The Aquanaut is generally more accessible than the Nautilus, though still extremely difficult to obtain at retail.

In terms of size, the Nautilus 5711 measures 40mm, while the Aquanaut 5167 comes in at 40mm as well. However, the Nautilus wears slightly larger due to its integrated bracelet design. Both watches are powered by excellent in-house movements, with the Nautilus using the Caliber 324 S C and the Aquanaut featuring the same movement.

Price-wise, the Nautilus commands a significant premium, both at retail and on the secondary market. A steel Nautilus 5711 has a retail price around $34,000 but trades for well over $100,000 on the grey market. The Aquanaut 5167 retails for about $21,000 and trades for $50,000-70,000 on the secondary market.

The choice between these two icons often comes down to personal preference. The Nautilus offers more classical elegance and prestige, while the Aquanaut provides a sportier, more contemporary aesthetic. Both are exceptional watches that will serve as lifetime companions and valuable investments.