Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A White Dial Review

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A White Dial Review

Introduction

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A is easily one of the most talked-about and desired stainless steel watches in modern watch collecting. While the blue dial tends to steal most of the spotlight, the white dial variant, often referred to as the "piano dial" by collectors and enthusiasts, offers an entirely different personality within the same iconic case. In this review, we break down what makes the white dial Nautilus such a standout piece.

Case & Build Quality

The 40mm stainless steel case of the 5711/1A remains one of the most recognisable shapes in watchmaking, with its Gerald Genta-designed porthole-inspired silhouette. The brushed finish on the flat surfaces, combined with the polished bevels, offers the perfect balance between sport and elegance.

With a case thickness of just 8.3mm, the Nautilus slips under a cuff effortlessly while still offering a strong presence on the wrist. The integrated bracelet is as comfortable as it is iconic; it perfectly tapers and feels well-balanced on the wrist.

Dial & Aesthetics 

The 5711/1a dial features a horizontal embossed texture, delivering a clean, minimalistic look, contrasting with the more commonly seen blue variant. Depending on the light, the dial can shift between bright white and a softer silvery tone, which gives it a subtle complexity that just can't be captured with a camera.

The applied white gold hour markers and matching hands are luminescent, which keeps the watch functional and intact while maintaining the Nautilus' signature refined aesthetic. The date window positioned at 3 o’clock is crisp and well-proportioned, blending nicely into the overall layout.

For collectors, the white dial offers a much rarer sight, giving it a level of uniqueness even among other 5711 models.

Movement & Functionality 

Inside, the 5711/1A beats the Calibre 324 S C, a self-winding movement produced in-house by Patek Philippe. It delivers a power reserve of up to 45 hours. The Calibre 324 S C is visible through the sapphire case back; the movement showcases traditional Geneva striping, bevelled edges, the Patek Philippe Seal, and an incredibly high standard of finishing.

Rarity & Market Value

Production of the 5711/1A white dial was far more limited than its blue counterpart, making this configuration especially desirable among collectors. Since the discontinuation of the entire 5711 line in 2021, demand for all variants has surged, but the white dial remains a favourite for those seeking something a little less obvious.

At retail, the watch was priced significantly below current market levels, around £26,200. As of 2025, prices on the secondary market  remain strong at roughly £80,000 for a complete set.

Final Thoughts

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A white dial is a perfect example of understated luxury. It retains all the distinctive features of the Nautilus design but does so with a softer, more versatile aesthetic that stands apart from the blue dial hype.

For collectors who want the Nautilus look without going down the predictable route, the white dial 5711/1A offers something genuinely special. Whether worn daily or reserved for the right occasions, it remains one of the most important modern stainless steel sports watches on the market.

If you're looking to buy or source a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A, feel free to reach out to LBJ Watches London. We specialise in sourcing the rarest and most exclusive timepieces for our clients.