Insights from Collectors: Why They Love the Patek Philippe 5726
Nowadays, any Patek Philippe watch with the Nautilus label seems to be a collector’s favorite. Nautilus watches are in great demand and short in supply, so they are extremely hot commodities in the market.
The discontinued Nautilus Ref 5711 and the Ref 5712 are arguably the hottest in the market, with a resale value that’s more than double their original price. However, one lesser-known but equally interesting reference that has been getting some attention from collectors is the Patek Philippe 5726.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726 was added to the collection in 2010 and has been a fan favorite ever since. This timepiece has not attained the same iconic status as other notable references like the 5711. Still, avid collectors familiar with the Nautilus collection know this is one of the most remarkable Patek Philippe Nautilus models. In this article, we will explore why collectors seem to love the Patek Philippe and why you should consider buying it, too, if you can afford one.
Relatively Affordable Price
The Patek Philippe 5726 is a Nautilus model with an annual calendar complication. In fact, it is the first Patek Philippe steel watch to feature this complication. Other annual calendar Patek Philippe watches are made from precious metals, which means they’re automatically pricier than the Ref 5726.
The relatively affordable price of this watch is an important factor since the whole point of creating the annual calendar complication is to get an affordable alternative to the perpetual calendar complication. Collectors love this watch because it provides an option to own a complicated Nautilus timepiece for a relatively affordable price.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726 is currently sold for a retail price of about $57,000. Of course, being a Nautilus, high demand means you’ll have difficulty buying this watch from an official retailer.
You can pick up an example of the original Patek 5726 paired with a leather strap for roughly $70,000 to $80,000, a fair price for a Patek Philippe reference with complications. The more recent full-stainless steel variant of this watch with bracelet is pricer. Depending on the dial variant in question, it costs about $93,000 to $132,000 in the secondary market.
Regardless, the most important point is that collectors know they’re getting a good deal for any variant of this watch they buy. Such a low cost for a special watch is the reason why this watch is highly sought after today.
Casual Stainless Steel Construction
Patek has released several precious metal variants of the Nautilus timepiece over the years. However, stainless steel remains the traditional material that collectors naturally associate with the collection. This is why stainless steel variants of this watch are always considered priced jewels by collectors. The Nautilus ref 5726 is a prime example of this.
Collectors looking for a simple, elegant stainless steel sports watch with a casual-dressy aesthetic will find the Patek 5726 to be the perfect fit. The style and dimensions of this watch are nearly identical to that of the iconic Ref 5711, another Nautilus model beloved by fans for its classic stainless-steel appearance. The only difference here is that this watch is slightly chunkier, thanks to the addition of some extra complications.
To further complement its appearance, the case, bezel, and bracelet of this timepiece feature alternating polished and satin finishes. These design elements make the Nautilus 5726 an immaculate appearance, making it stand out in the Nautilus lineup and an attractive option for enthusiasts.
Real-world Utility
Not all collectors buy Patek Philippe watches simply for owning one. A good number of buyers want a wearable piece with real-world utility. The Nautilus 5726 is one good example of such a watch. This Nautilus Annual Calendar timepiece leans more towards the dressier side of the sports watch niche in terms of its size and overall design.
The slim profile of this watch means it is slender enough to slip under most sleeves with relative ease. It’s the kind of watch that can transition from casual to office wear seamlessly and pair with all kinds of outfits.
Another notable feature of this watch that gives it even more utility and popularity with collectors is the complications. It has three main extra features, but the most notable is the annual calendar function. Collectors generally consider this complication as one of the most useful extra features that a mechanical watch can possess.
The annual calendar complication is simpler than a perpetual calendar, but it is still relatively easy to maintain. That’s because it only has to be adjusted once a year at the end of February to account for the difference in the length of the month. A pen-shaped tool is provided with this watch, which is used to adjust the recessed micro-pushers on the side of the watch only once a year. The other complications in this timepiece include the 24-hour day/night indicator, which shows the wearer if it is set to morning or night and a moon-phase indicator.
Discontinuation of the Nautilus 5711
Another factor that has contributed indirectly to the popularity of this watch in collector’s circles is the discontinuation of the iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711. For full context, the 5711, 5712, and two other models were released in 2006 for the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus collection. The Ref 5726 was released four years later, in 2010.
Over time, the Nautilus 5711 evolved into one of the most important Nautilus watches ever made. Demand for this timepiece was so high that retailers had 10-year-long waitlists that they couldn’t practically fulfill. Due to the high demand, the price of this reference rose astronomically in comparison to other Nautilus models.
Even before Patek decided to pull the plug on the 5711, collectors who couldn’t wait for this watch or spend a fortune on obtaining one in the secondary market were already going for any alternatives they could find. Naturally, modern classics such as the Nautilus Ref 5726 became the standard alternative.
Patek fueled this frenzy even further in 2016 when the blue-dialed variant of this watch was introduced. Unlike the original version paired with a leather strap, the new watch had an integrated steel bracelet, which brought it closer in appearance to the classic Nautilus watch.
The gradient blue dial of this watch was a major feature it shared with the widely covered Patek Ref 5711 and the original jumbo Nautilus model from 1976. So, while the Nautilus Annual calendar was previously one of the less popular offerings in the Nautilus line, it started to catch the attention of collectors in 2016 when the blue dial variant was released.
Some Cool Options to Choose from
Collectors love the idea of having options to choose from. This is another small but important reason why this watch has gained popularity over the years. Anyone looking to buy a Ref 5726 will find at least three variants of this watch on the market.
The first is the original model, which was launched in 2010. It is a stainless steel watch with a leather strap and a gradient black dial. Two years later, Patek reintroduced a new watch with the same design, but this time with a silvery-white dial. While this has been discontinued, it is still available in the secondary market.
A new blue dial version that paid homage to the Nautilus 3700 was released in 2019. Patek has maintained the same design as all three variants of this watch. Still, the difference in dial color and bracelet options gives buyers some options and motivates them to consider buying this watch. The gradient blue dial, in particular, is something connoisseurs of the brand have always wanted, which is a major reason why this watch has been added to the wish list of many buyers.
Conclusion
If you are rich enough to afford one and lucky to find a model in retail or the secondary market, the Nautilus Ref 5726 is one of the best luxury sports watches you can consider buying. As this article shows, this watch is highly sought-after by collectors for various reasons, including its relatively low price and useful complications. Of course, it all comes down to your personal preference, but you most likely won’t be disappointed if you decide to give it a shot.