Affordable Alternatives to the Patek Philippe Nautilus

The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a watch with a value in the stratosphere. It was originally introduced in 1976 as a response to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and marketed as the costliest steel watch in the world. The model shown (below) is the Reference 5711-1A and was produced from 2006 to 2021 is the most coveted in the collectors market. On Chrono24, a used Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711-1A is being sold for $124,999. It's a staggering price for most of us, but that blue dial is very popular.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus, Ref 5711-1A (Patek Philippe SA, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

The Reference 5711 is a 40mm diameter case, a date complication, and it also has an exhibition caseback that allows you to see the movement including its 21-carat gold rotor. As listed on Chrono24, the one I saw also has its original box and papers. It is definitely an amazing investment grade watch that may see its value rise and fall over the years. However, as a resident of a crime-plagued American big city, I'll definitely have to keep mine in a vault and look for an affordable alternative that I can present to muggers and home invaders.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Homage Watches

Fortunately, there is no shortage of Patek Philippe Nautilus homage watches. This iconic watch has inspired many watch designers.

Nibosi Nautilus Homage

Let's start with Nibosi. This brand makes some nice homage watches and some independent designs of their own. They make a nice looking quartz homage to the famed Patek Philippe. It even comes in 9 different dial and bracelet color combinations.

Nibosi Men's Quartz Analog Stainless Steel Watch (Amazon Photo)

You can check this watch out here on our Amazon affiliate link. It won't be nearly as comfortable as a real Patek, but you can wear it to Walmart or Waffle House without fear. It costs about $35.

Specht & Söhne Nautilus Homage

If you are looking for a slightly more upscale experience, Specht & Söhne offers a 5711 homage with a reliable Japanese Miyota 8215 automatic movement,  a screw-down crown, a stainless steel case and bracelet, and 50-meters of water resistance.

Specht & Söhne Nautilus Homage (Amazon Photo)

This watch movement allows hand-winding but can also be wound through the natural movement of your wrist. It might also be more analogous to wearing an actual Nautilus 5711. It also has an exhibition caseback. However, you'll miss that rotor of gold. You can check this watch out here with our Amazon affiliate link. If you like the Patek Philippe Nautilus design, this may be your best bet. It comes in 6 different case and color combinations. The brand also has homage watches that are similar to the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and Cubitus timepieces.

If you don't want a copycat homage to this famed watch, keep your eyes open. You may find similar design language with aspects of the porthole design theme or integrated bracelet in other watches from brands that might evoke the Nautilus in more subtle ways.