5712/1A - the 6 month check-in

[tng11]

Ever since I joined this forum, I the 5712 had been on my radar for some time, but I wasn't quite ready to buy at the time and was exploring other watches. By August 2017 or so, my ducks were in a row and I was getting closer to buying, but I had noticed the prices had gone up quite a bit (to just slightly above retail at the time, which was 34K USD), and a couple people advised me to wait. To my horror, prices just kept on going up, up, up, PP announced the 20% MSRP increase, and the prices went to the mid-50s. I had literally called 100+ ADs around the world, stepped into dozens of them, got on the "list" at some of them (which doesn't actually exist). Search was looking pretty bleak.

Until one day in early June 2018. One very generous TRF member reached out to me offering one at MSRP, and then my search was over. You know who you are, and I am still forever grateful.

Ever since having the watch in June 2018, it has been my daily watch. In the last 6 months, I have worn the watch for about 2/3rds of the time. I wear it everything from full business attire, to shorts and flip-flops or sweatpants. I bought a boatload of other pieces during the last 6 months, and most of them are gone, yet the 5712 stays. The only ones that have stayed alongside the 5712/1A are the Saxonia Thin and 116655. Save for 2 weeks when I went on vacation and brought the 116500, the watch has literally not stopped ticking since it came into my hands because it was being worn at least every other day.

And why do I like this piece so much?

For starters, the size, weight and feel are all perfect. I've owned a variety of Royal Oaks over the last decade, and while I love the bracelet and think the finish and craftmanship is superior to the Nautilus bracelet, they were never the most comfortable. To me, the Nautilus bracelet is perfect. Feels like silk on the wrist with no scratchy surfaces. Granted, the clasp system is somewhat of a let down when compared to the Royal Oak, but it still does the job, and its thinness really helps with comfort. I often have to take my watches off when I'm sitting at my office desk, but the 5712's weight and comfort has me wearing it for 16-18 hours of the day and never finding it uncomfortable.

For me, as someone with tiny wrists, the proportions and size of the Nautilus are perfect. No awkward lugs like the Royal Oak, and it's thin enough to slip underneath dress shirts.

In terms of the dial and movement, I still have not gotten bored looking at them. The blue dials of the Nautilus are really quite special. They change from a silvery, greyish blue, to almost black depending on the light. The dial layout, while "chaotic" and asymmetrical, just works. The legibility is first rate. And I still get a kick out of looking at the beautifully laid out calibre 240 with the microrotor movement.

And in terms of it being a daily wearer, I've been quite happy with how it's held up in terms of wear. Wearing a Nautilus as a daily is a lesson in letting go of minor things in life, such as marks on PCLs and polished surfaces. They are just a reality of life. So far, there are just some light swirls through the polished surfaces, but no deep scratches or dings (knock on wood).

Moreover, I have only seen this watch one other time in my home city, amongst an ocean of Rolexes and AP Royal Oaks. It flies under the radar, and gets little attention, but is instantly recognizable to other WIS. Almost like being a member of that secret club.

For someone with watch attachment issues, this is the only watch so far that has that staying power to me. 6 months in, the magic of it has not worn off one bit, and in fact, with the marks on the PCLs out of the way, I've actually been enjoying it even more without having to worry.

And that's really it - to me, it's almost remarkable that a watch has stayed with me for more than 6 months, and for it to still have that "honeymoon" feel, that I thought I would write about it.

These first two pictures were taken yesterday, and shows how little wear and tear has happened despite it being almost a daily:





And just a couple of favourites from the last 6 months:

[GK-]

Great write up and fantastic pictures. Very kind of that forum member too! I’m hoping this will be my first PP when I get the call.


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[lhawli]

Awesome review Tom. It’s absolutely stunning and definitely a keeper. Otherwise you know who to PM first lol.

I agree with you about polished surfaces and all this talk about them being “scratch magnets.” They said that about the RO yet 3 month into wearing mine (also as my main daily) and it looks as good as the day I unboxed it. They are rugged sports watches - more so yours with the depth rating.


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[goog53]

I remember you whining daily how you couldnt get one . In all seriousness Tom, I’m glad you are really enjoying her. She is the best option in the entire Nautilus lineup IMO as well. You get the thinness that the Naut is know for, an amazing 240 movement, some complications in a tiny package, and a quirky dial that adds to the uniqueness. The 5740G is also a beautiful watch but IMO not worth 80K more than this beast. Wear her in good health!

[Tay821]

Ehh it’s an okay reference. it’s my daily driver too and really is PP perfection. Glad you’re still in love with it

[brandrea]

Thank you for this review Tom. I’m truly happy you are still enjoying.

It truly says a lot about this watch, as you’ve owned quite a few pieces that many would consider grails

[MCMartiny]

Great write-up and review. Couldn't agree more, such a special reference and a delight to wear in all situations.

[rolexpatek363]

Certainly my favourite Nautilus, I wear mine a lot, seven years now, and no great damage so far as I can see.

[The Argonaut]

Great write up, and I'm glad you achieved your goal. Personally, I'm not a fan of that particular Nautilus. The dial has always looked cluttered and untidy. The 5711, on the other hand, is close to the perfect "one watch." Still, nice work.

[thomaspp]

Great great watch!


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[ap1]

it’s my favorite too

[kbj]

It looks great .

It’s always nice to hear that the watch is worn in real life and not just stored in a safe somewhere.



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[Bearxj86]

Great story and awesome pics!

[ppalasthira]

I totally get it when talk about how this watch (or any Naut for that matter) is only recognized by WIS.

Rolex is regconized by a larger audience I think.

That is one of the reasons why I got my 5711 as well. So under the radar.

[JR16]

Love the 6 month review/thoughts- thanks for posting!


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[nyc2la]

Great write-up! Thanks

[slashd0t]

Congrats! Likewise, I’m nearly 3 years in with my 5712 and it never gets old.. Wear it in good health and hope you build many great memories with it!

[mdtddd2007]

Great review. Love this ref. Great pictures!

[josephvman]

Great writeup, and torture for those of us waiting for one!

[toucan]

Glad you’re still
loving it and more importantly wearing it as it should be worn!

[sensui]

It's the Nautilus for me other than the unobtanium known as 5740g. Love mine to death also. Great pictures and happy things worked out for another enthusiast

[Helmi]

Great review Tom. The 5712 is my all time favorite watch, great form factor, amazing dial, very prestigious. Can't live without her

[Vipes]

A unique and very versatile watch. Nice pics.

[SL BRABUS]

Looking good.....

[AK797]

Not surprised you still love it, if I could only have 1 watch then this would probably be top of the list.

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by AK797

Not surprised you still love it, if I could only have 1 watch then this would probably be top of the list.

Definitely.

[incontrol]

Awesome thoughts on a beautiful watch. I agree with Neil, this could easily be for an only watch, it ticks all the right boxes.
(I would still need a second watch for the times I did not trust what I was doing.)


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[WatchLurv]

I would have jumped on the offer too if a TRF member offered me this for MSRP. I'd probably find the next flight out and pack a quick bag. The funds are ready waiting in my safe for that day I do get a DM.

Great write-up and congrats on this piece. It's truly astonishing!

[tyler1980]

glad you like it so much. I think the time has come to move mine as it just doesn't get much wrist time. Most beautiful watch i own though so im a bit conflicted

[TJMike]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

glad you like it so much. I think the time has come to move mine as it just doesn't get much wrist time. Most beautiful watch i own though so im a bit conflicted

Am i right in saying you sold your white dial Nautilus 5711? And you now may sell the 5712? Damn!