50th anniversary of an icon
Nautilus
Launched in 1976, the Nautilus marked a turning point for Patek Philippe. The 1970s saw the emergence of a new luxury watchmaking industry, driven by strong creativity and a rethinking of traditional forms. Following the Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta in 1971 and launched in 1972, the idea of a steel sports watch gradually gained ground.
Long associated with dress watches and grand complications, the Geneva-based company decided to innovate. Inspired by the marine world, with its porthole-like shape, the Nautilus embodied a new vision of luxury that was bold, sustainable, and resolutely modern. Legend has it that Gérald Genta first proposed the Nautilus design to Audemars Piguet, but that the latter declined in favor of the Royal Oak...
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of this iconic timepiece: 41Watch is getting up to speed and offering you a 100% Nautilus immersive experience. Discover our complete retrospective featuring articles, photo reports, and videos...
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Timeline of the key milestones in the Patek Philippe Nautilus story
Key references (non-exhaustive) highlighting the major stages of the Nautilus, from the earliest models to contemporary evolutions.
1976
Ref. 3700 — first stainless steel reference.
1981
Ref. 3800 — introduction of the seconds hand.
1998
Ref. 3710/1A — first complication: power reserve.
2005
Ref. 3712 — moon phase, power reserve and date.
2006
Ref. 5711 — new generation (5712, 5726, 5980).
2008
First versions set with diamonds.
2010
Ref. 5726 — first annual calendar.
2016
40th anniversary — limited edition 5711/1P.
2019
Ref. 5740G — first perpetual calendar.
2021
Discontinuation of the 5711 — blue then green dials.
2022
Ref. 5811 — exclusively in precious metal.
On mobile, the timeline can be browsed horizontally.
