Designed by Gérald Genta in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus has become one of the most sought-after watches in the world. The 5711/1A reference, discontinued in 2021, has further increased the attention paid to the condition of every example on the secondary market.
Why the condition of a Nautilus matters so much
On a Nautilus, value does not depend on the reference alone: it also depends on the crispness of the finishes. The alternation between satin-brushed and polished surfaces, done by hand, is one of the first things buyers examine.
The most exposed areas
- The integrated bracelet: its polished centre links and satin-brushed outer links mark on contact with hard surfaces.
- The clasp: in direct contact with the desk and keyboard, it is often the first area to be scratched.
- The case 'ears': these side hinges, a signature of the design, protrude from the profile and take light knocks.
- The octagonal bezel: satin-brushed on top and polished on the bevels, it quickly shows friction.
Polishing, a risk for the original finishes
Polishing removes metal and can soften the edges between satin-brushed and polished areas. On a watch where the contrast of finishes is part of its identity, it is a compromise many collectors prefer to avoid.
Preserve rather than restore
PreserveLayer™ is a 150-micron transparent TPU protection, pre-cut for the geometry of your reference. It covers the exposed areas (case, bezel, clasp and, with the Premium kit, the bracelet) without changing the watch's appearance, and comes off without residue.
Each kit includes practice pieces, most elements in duplicate, and a 14-day installation guarantee.
Discover our protection for the Nautilus 5711, the Nautilus 5712/1R, the Nautilus Chronograph 5980 and the Nautilus 5740.
Frequently asked questions
Does the protection alter the satin/polished contrast?
It is transparent and follows the surfaces. At close range and depending on the light, slight differences in reflection may be noticeable, but the finishes remain visible.
Does it protect against knocks?
It helps limit everyday micro-scratches on the covered areas. It does not make the watch scratch-proof and does not prevent significant impacts.
