The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus are the two most famous luxury sports watches with integrated steel bracelets, and both were designed by Gérald Genta. This guide compares them.
History
- Royal Oak: introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1972, Genta's octagonal bezel with exposed screws defined the luxury steel sports watch.
- Nautilus: Genta designed it for Patek Philippe, and it was introduced in 1976, with a porthole-shaped case and horizontally embossed dial.
Key references
| Royal Oak | Nautilus | |
|---|---|---|
| Best-known modern steel references | 15500 (41 mm, calibre 4302, introduced in 2019); 15202 and its successor 16202 ("Jumbo") | 5711/1A (calibre 26-330 S C, about 45 hours of power reserve), discontinued in 2021 |
| Design | Octagonal bezel, eight screws, "Grande Tapisserie" dial | Porthole case with "ears", horizontally embossed dial |
Prices
Prices below are the asking prices of the watches listed on Watchflix NYC on 14 October 2026, across all conditions. They are not transaction prices or retail prices, and they change as watches sell and arrive.
| Royal Oak | Nautilus | |
|---|---|---|
| Watches listed | 335 | 97 |
| Median asking price, all references | $48,680 | $116,720 |
| 15500/15510 vs 5711 | 15500/15510: $29,400 to $91,520, median $39,915 | 5711: $73,880 to $159,560, median $105,000 |
The Nautilus asks considerably more, especially the discontinued 5711. The Royal Oak range is wider, from quartz and smaller models to complications.
Which one to buy
- Royal Oak for the more architectural design, a wider range and a lower entry price.
- Nautilus for the rarer watch, now that the 5711 is out of production.
For more detail, see our Royal Oak price guide, Nautilus price guide and Nautilus vs Aquanaut.
Every watch we sell is checked by our specialist before it ships, and the listing states its condition and whether the box and papers are included. We are an independent retailer, not an authorized dealer of these brands.
Shop the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Royal Oak and the Nautilus?
Gérald Genta designed both: the Royal Oak (1972) and the Nautilus (1976).
Is the Patek Philippe 5711 still made?
No. Patek Philippe discontinued the 5711 in 2021.
What movement is in the Royal Oak 15500?
Audemars Piguet's calibre 4302, introduced with the 15500 in 2019.
Why does the Nautilus cost more?
Mainly demand and scarcity, especially for the discontinued 5711; condition, references and papers matter too.
