Comparing the Rolex Day-Date 40 ($38k–$45k, 100m WR, 40mm) against the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 ($35k–$38k, 120m WR, 40mm) — specs, movement, community votes, and an expert verdict below. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 is the more affordable option by $3k.

Rolex Day-Date 40vsPatek Philippe Nautilus 5711

Complete head-to-head comparison

Rolex Day-Date 40 official product image

Rolex

Day-Date 40

Ref. 228238

New Price

$38k–$45k

Pre-owned: $35k–$55k

Case40mm 18k Yellow Gold
Thickness12.4mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance100m
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Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 official product image

Patek Philippe

Nautilus 5711

Ref. 5711/1A-010

New Price

$35k–$38k

Pre-owned: $90k–$150k

Case40mm Stainless Steel
Thickness8.3mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance120m
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Price:Nautilus 5711 is $3k–$7k cheaper
H2O:Nautilus 5711 (120m)
Score:Nautilus 5711 (8/10)
Repurchase:Nautilus 5711 (80%)

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Rolex Hub

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Patek Philippe Hub

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Quick Verdict

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

Day-Date 40Internet Community RatingNautilus 5711
50%50%
🗳️WatchVsWatch Community Vote
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Pros & Cons

Rolex Day-Date 40

Pros

  • 70-hour power reserve
  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Precious metal prestige

Cons

  • High price point limits accessibility

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711

Pros

  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Durable stainless steel case

Cons

  • High price point limits accessibility

Specifications Compared

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What's the price difference?

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

How do the case sizes compare?

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

Which has better water resistance?

The Rolex Day-Date 40 is water-resistant to 100m, while the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 offers 120m. 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 Rolex Day-Date 40 uses a automatic Cal. 3255 with 70 hours power reserve. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 features a automatic Cal. 26-330 S C with 45 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

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

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