The short answer: The Patek Philippe Nautilus comes down to four key time-and-date references. The 3700 "Jumbo" (1976 to 1990) is the 42mm original. The 3800 (1981 to 2006) is the 37.5mm midsize that added a seconds hand and an in-house movement. The steel 5711 (2006 to 2021) is the modern icon. The white gold 5811 (2022 to today) is its 41mm successor. Pick the 3800 for vintage character and a classic fit, the 5711 for the steel legend, and the 5811 if you want a current-production Nautilus with a bigger case and a better clasp.
Gérald Genta designed the Nautilus, and Patek Philippe introduced it in 1976. Here's how the main references actually differ, from a dealer who handles them in our Beverly Hills showroom.
The four references most buyers compare
Ref. 3700/1A "Jumbo" (1976 to 1990)
- 42mm steel case, automatic caliber 28-255 C, time and date only with no central seconds hand.
- The original design and, for many collectors, the most collectible. Condition, originality and service history matter most.
Ref. 3800/1A midsize (1981 to 2006)
- 37.5mm case with a central seconds hand and Patek's in-house caliber 335 SC, later the 330 SC family.
- Made for about 25 years in many metals and dials; it wears beautifully today and is an approachable way into vintage Nautilus ownership.
We currently have a Nautilus 3800/1A with a black Roman numeral dial in the showroom if you want to see one in person.
Ref. 5711/1A (2006 to 2021)
- 40mm steel case, about 8.3mm thick, with the blue gradient dial most people picture when they hear "Nautilus."
- Caliber 324 S C until 2019, then 26-330 S C, which adds hacking seconds. Check which caliber a specific watch has.
- Production ended in 2021 with a final olive green dial and a 170-piece Tiffany & Co. blue dial edition.
Ref. 5811/1G (2022 to today)
- 41mm white gold case and bracelet, 8.2mm thick, caliber 26-330 S C with the Patek Philippe Seal.
- Patented fold-over clasp with a lockable adjustment system you can loosen or tighten without a tool.
Nautilus 5711 vs 5811: what actually changed?
- Metal: the 5711/1A is stainless steel; the 5811/1G is 18k white gold.
- Size: the 5711 is 40mm and about 8.3mm thick; the 5811 is 41mm and 8.2mm thick.
- Movement: late 5711s and every 5811 use the same 26-330 S C.
- Clasp: the 5811 has a newer fold-over clasp with a lockable adjustment system.
- Status: the 5711/1A is discontinued; the 5811 is in current production.
Why you see both 120m and 30m water resistance
The 5811 was described at 120m at launch, but in 2024 Patek moved to a single 30-meter standard for all of its water-resistant watches, which it says covers swimming. On any pre-owned watch, the real question is when it was last pressure tested.
Which one is right for you?
The 37.5mm 3800 suits smaller wrists, the 40mm 5711 is the balanced middle, and the 41mm white gold 5811 feels the most substantial. Vintage references offer history and patina; modern ones offer newer movements and hacking seconds. Trying them on is worth the trip.
What to check before buying a pre-owned Nautilus
Fakes and "frankenwatches" with swapped parts do circulate. Make sure:
- Case and movement numbers match the papers.
- Dial, hands, bracelet and caliber are correct for that reference and year.
- The case has crisp edges and the right brushed and polished finishes.
- You know the service history and last pressure test.
For a vintage 3700 or 3800, a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives adds confidence.
By Barnett was founded in 2019 by Erin Barnett, a GIA-certified jeweler. Warranty is offered on select watches case by case, and most 2025 and newer models come with a one-year warranty. Most items ship free, overnight and insured within the US.
Frequently asked questions
What replaced the Patek Philippe 5711?
The 5811/1G, introduced in October 2022: 41mm white gold instead of 40mm steel, with the same 26-330 S C movement as late 5711s and an upgraded clasp.
Is the Nautilus 3800 a good buy?
For many buyers, yes: the original Genta design in a 37.5mm case with an in-house movement. Condition and originality drive its value.
Do all Patek 5711s have hacking seconds?
No. Only those made from 2019 with the 26-330 S C do.
Can I sell or consign my Nautilus with By Barnett?
Yes. We buy, sell, and consign watches, with consignment payouts up to 91%. We'll also help you figure out what prep, such as polishing or servicing, will get the most money out of your watch.
See a Nautilus in person in Beverly Hills
The best way to choose a Nautilus is to wear one. Our showroom at 9350 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills is open by appointment only. Call or text 310-993-9499 to book your visit.
