With the Nautilus, Patek Philippe would seek out Gerald Genta for a design to go beyond haute horlogerie, to create a luxury sports watch. Inspired by the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners, it was named after Captain Nemo’s Nautilus submarine from Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The “Jumbo” case with wide flat bezel, integrated steel link bracelet, and ultra-thin automatic movement had a masculine aesthetic compared to the smaller dressy gold mechanical watches of the time. While it was initially not well received, its popularity quickly grew, and has been a mainstay of Patek Philippe’s collection until the present day. Patek Philippe produced two versions of the Nautilus reference 3700 in stainless steel; 3700/1 from 1976 to about 1981, and the 3700/11, which was in production from 1981 to 1990.

In 2006 Patek Philippe introduced their 30th anniversary models including the 5711, the 5712, the 5980 (the first Nautilus with a chronograph function), and the 5800 (the 37mm descendent of the 3800), all available in steel. Filled with innovations and updated for modern times, slight variations can be seen between the modern 5711 and original 3700. Instead of the original two-piece monobloc case, the reference 5711 has a three-piece case allowing for easier assembly, servicing, and included an exhibition caseback. The 5711 also measures 1mm wider than the 3700 and 0.7mm thicker, and is fitted with an in-house self-winding movement permitting a center seconds indication. A higher-grade of steel used with the 5711 improved corrosion resistance, and the bracelet was upgraded and refined, with the center links slightly flattened and the buckle now triple folding.

The present lot manufactured in late 2020, is offered at auction for the first-time, and is perfectly preserved in brand new, unworn condition. The watch is accompanied by its Certificate of Origin and presentation box, and will appeal to discerning collectors seeking a complete, well-preserved example of the iconic Nautilus.