Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711vsRolex Day-Date 40

Complete head-to-head comparison

Comparing the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 ($35k–$38k, 120m WR, 40mm) against the Rolex Day-Date 40 ($38k–$45k, 100m WR, 40mm). The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 is the more affordable option by $3k.

Price

Nautilus 5711$35k–$38k
Day-Date 40$38k–$45k

Water Resistance

Nautilus 5711120m
Day-Date 40100m

Score

Nautilus 57118/10
Day-Date 408/10

Repurchase

Nautilus 571180%
Day-Date 4080%

Specifications Compared

Nautilus 5711
Day-Date 40
Case Diameter
Nautilus 5711
40mm
Day-Date 40
40mm
Case Thickness
Nautilus 5711
8.3mm
Day-Date 40
12.4mm
Lug Width
Nautilus 5711
21mm
Day-Date 40
20mm
Lug-to-Lug
Nautilus 5711
48mm
Day-Date 40
47mm
Movement
Nautilus 5711
automatic
Day-Date 40
automatic
Caliber
Nautilus 5711
Cal. 26-330 S C
Day-Date 40
Cal. 3255
Power Reserve
Nautilus 5711
45h
Day-Date 40
70h
Water Resistance
Nautilus 5711
120m
Day-Date 40
100m
Crystal
Nautilus 5711
sapphire
Day-Date 40
sapphire
Case Material
Nautilus 5711
Stainless Steel
Day-Date 40
18k Yellow Gold
Bracelet/Strap
Nautilus 5711
Stainless Steel Integrated
Day-Date 40
18k Yellow Gold President
Price (New)
Nautilus 5711
$35k–$38k
Day-Date 40
$38k–$45k
Price (Pre-owned)
Nautilus 5711
$90k–$150k
Day-Date 40
$35k–$55k
Style
Nautilus 5711
sport, luxury, dress
Day-Date 40
dress, luxury

Pros & Cons

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711

Pros

  • The ultimate grail — owners describe buying one as a life milestone
  • Ultra-thin 8.3mm case is astonishingly comfortable for a sport watch
  • Resale values are extraordinary — essentially a wearable asset
  • Dial gradient shifts color in different light like nothing else

Cons

  • Secondary market prices are absurdly inflated — 3-4x over retail
  • Discontinued status makes finding one nearly impossible
  • Bracelet clasp lacks micro-adjust — odd for a six-figure watch

Rolex Day-Date 40

Pros

  • Day display in full text is uniquely charming and practical
  • Precious metal gives unmistakable wrist presence
  • Commands respect in professional settings
  • President bracelet is one of the most comfortable ever made

Cons

  • Gold-only means a significant financial commitment
  • Weight can feel heavy after all-day wear
  • Flashier than some professionals are comfortable with

Community Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both sit in a similar price range: Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 at $35k–$38k vs Rolex Day-Date 40 at $38k–$45k — choose based on use case and style preference.

Nautilus 5711Community RatingDay-Date 40
50%50%
🗳️Community Vote
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 or Rolex Day-Date 40?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 offers comparable sizing and costs less new. The Rolex Day-Date 40 excels in overall construction. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

What's the price difference?

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 retails for $35k–$38k, while the Rolex Day-Date 40 is priced at $38k–$45k. Pre-owned, expect $90k–$150k and $35k–$55k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.

How do the case sizes compare?

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 has a 40mm case diameter with 8.3mm thickness, while the Rolex Day-Date 40 measures 40mm × 12.4mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 48mm and 47mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.

Which has better water resistance?

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 is water-resistant to 120m, while the Rolex Day-Date 40 offers 100m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.

How do the movements compare?

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 uses a automatic Cal. 26-330 S C with 45 hours power reserve. The Rolex Day-Date 40 features a automatic Cal. 3255 with 70 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

Patek Philippe and Rolex both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $90k–$150k for the Nautilus 5711 and $35k–$55k for the Day-Date 40. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

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