Nautilus is the sports watch collection in the Patek Philippe range, introduced in 1976. The case was designed by Gérald Genta, inspired by an ocean liner's porthole: an octagonal bezel with rounded edges, side "ears" and an integrated bracelet. The first Nautilus watches were in steel; versions in rose and white gold and platinum followed. The line's signature is the horizontally embossed dial, with its recognisable play of light.
The Nautilus collection comprises several families. The core Nautilus watches are automatic and show the time and date: the steel reference 5711/1A (also known as the Nautilus Steel Blue Dial, and available with an olive green dial) and the 5811/1G in white gold. The 5712 adds a power reserve indicator and moon phase on an asymmetric dial. The Nautilus Chronograph is reference 5980. The Travel Time Chronograph (5990) combines a chronograph with a second time zone, while the 5726A has an annual calendar. Ladies' models include the 7118 with a wave-patterned dial and the 7010G with the quartz calibre E 23-250 S C. Pieces marked Custom stand apart: rose gold cases with diamonds or rubies on the bezel and hour markers.
The choice within the collection starts with function, case metal and diameter. Options include stainless steel, rose, white and yellow gold, platinum, bi-colour steel and rose gold, and gold with diamonds. Dials come in blue, green, grey, brown, silver and white.