There are grail watches, and then there’s the Patek Philippe Nautilus. It’s the watch that made steel sports watches serious. The one that launched a thousand “why does a steel watch cost more than a house?” conversations. And the one that, for most watch enthusiasts, lives permanently on the “one day” list.
The Nautilus 5711 — the reference everyone talks about — was discontinued by Patek in 2021, which sent secondary market prices into actual insanity. We’re talking $150,000–$200,000 for a steel watch with a blue dial. That’s not a typo.
Which brings us to the super clone Nautilus. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why the Nautilus Is the Ultimate Super Clone Reference
The Nautilus was designed by Gérald Genta in 1976. Same guy who designed the Royal Oak. The brief was simple: a luxury sports watch in steel, waterproof, with an integrated bracelet. What came out was something that looked like a porthole — that octagonal bezel with the rounded edges, the horizontal lines on the dial, the integrated bracelet that flows from case to wrist like it was all machined from one piece.
It changed what a sports watch could be. Forty-eight years later, nothing else looks quite like it.
For the super clone market, the Nautilus is particularly compelling because:
- The genuine is unobtainable at any rational price point
- The design translates beautifully to quality manufacturing — the case geometry is complex but replicable
- The signature horizontal dial texture and blue “gradiant” dial are achievable at a high level
- The integrated bracelet, when done right, is one of the most satisfying wrist experiences in watchmaking
The Reference Breakdown: 5711 vs 5726 vs 5990
Not all Nautiluses are created equal, and the super clone market reflects the genuine lineup fairly closely.
Nautilus 5711/1A — The One Everyone Wants
Steel case, blue horizontal-stripe dial, steel integrated bracelet. This is the reference. 40mm case, ~8.3mm thin, runs a clone Cal. 315 SC (the super clone version mimics the genuine’s 4Hz caliber with small seconds and date at 3 o’clock). The blue dial with its slight gradient from dark center to lighter edges is the signature look.
Nautilus 5711/1R — The Rose Gold Variant
Same design, rose gold execution. Slightly warmer aesthetic, chocolate brown dial option. The super clone version uses PVD-coated steel for the case and bracelet — not actual rose gold, which should be reflected in the price you pay. Any seller charging $1,500+ claiming solid gold is taking you for a ride.
Nautilus 5726A — Annual Calendar
For the complications crowd. The 5726 adds an annual calendar — month, date, day — displayed across the dial. More complex movement, more dial real estate. The super clone version is impressive for its complication depth, though QC variance is higher on complicated models. Inspect carefully.
Nautilus 5990/1A — Flyback Chronograph
The travel model. Dual time zone plus flyback chronograph. Genuinely complex. The super clone version exists but commands a significant premium. For most buyers, the 5711 delivers the Nautilus experience more reliably.
What Makes a Good Nautilus Super Clone (And What Kills It)
The Nautilus is a harder clone to execute well than a Rolex Submariner. Here’s why, and what to look for:
The Integrated Bracelet — The Make-or-Break Factor
The Nautilus bracelet is legendary for how it flows from the case. The links taper toward the clasp, have a specific brushed texture on the center links and polished edges, and when worn correctly, the watch looks like it grew out of your wrist.
This is where cheap Nautilus clones fall apart entirely. If the bracelet doesn’t have proper taper, proper link proportion, and solid end link fit, the whole thing reads wrong. Ask specifically for bracelet photos. Zoom in on the end links. They should sit flush against the case with no visible gap.
The Dial Texture
The genuine Nautilus 5711 blue dial has a specific horizontal pattern — parallel lines embossed into the dial surface — plus that slightly graduated blue coloring. On quality super clones, this is done via CNC finishing and proper lacquering. On cheap versions, the pattern looks printed rather than textured, and the blue is flat instead of graduated.
The Bezel Shape
Eight sides. Rounded corners. A very specific thickness and curvature profile. The bezel-to-case transition on the genuine has a precision that’s hard to fake at low manufacturing budgets. On quality super clones, the geometry is measured against genuine spec. On cheap versions, the proportions are slightly off — usually the bezel is too thick or the corners too sharp.
The Movement
Top-tier Nautilus super clones use a clone Cal. 5711A that mirrors the genuine 315 SC — 28,800 bph, date at 3 o’clock, small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The seconds subdial should sweep, not tick. The date wheel should jump at midnight, not roll gradually.
Sizing: Is 40mm the Right Call?
The 5711 is 40mm across the case, but the integrated bracelet and lug-to-lug measurement of 51mm means it wears significantly larger than a typical 40mm watch. It’s a presence piece. On smaller wrists (under 6.5 inches) it can look substantial.
The 5726 is 43mm for reference. If you’re debating between them on wrist feel, lean toward the 5711 unless you specifically want the complications.
Patek Philippe Nautilus vs Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: Which Clone to Buy?
This comes up constantly in the community. Both are 1970s integrated-bracelet steel sports watches designed by Genta. Both cost a fortune genuine. Both translate well to the super clone format. So which one?
| Nautilus 5711 | Royal Oak 15500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Case shape | Octagonal, rounded | Octagonal, more angular |
| Case size | 40mm | 41mm |
| Dial | Horizontal stripes, blue gradient | Tapisserie petit pattern, multiple colors |
| Bracelet | Smoother, more casual | More architectural, H-link |
| Thickness | ~8.3mm (very slim) | ~10.4mm |
| Wrist feel | Dressy-casual, versatile | More aggressive, sportier |
| Community verdict | Classic, timeless | More statement |
Honest take: if you dress up more and want something that reads as sophisticated without trying too hard, the Nautilus. If you want more presence and a sportier feel, the Royal Oak. Both are excellent super clone subjects.
What to Expect to Pay and What to Expect to Get
Quality Nautilus super clones run $450–$700 for the 5711 reference. The complication models (5726, 5990) run higher — $600–$900 depending on the factory and execution quality.
Below $400 for a “Nautilus super clone,” you’re likely getting a standard rep with a super clone label and price tag. The telltale sign: bracelet quality will be noticeably lower, dial texture will be printed rather than embossed, and the movement won’t be a proper clone caliber.
The Verdict
The Patek Philippe Nautilus super clone is, for many watch enthusiasts, the most rewarding purchase in this space. It’s the watch that most clearly represents the gap between what the genuine costs and what the experience actually is. You’re wearing an icon of watch design. You’re wearing a piece that turns heads because of its shape and presence, not because of a logo alone.
Done right — proper dial texture, quality integrated bracelet, correct clone movement — it’s hard to find a more satisfying daily wearer at any price point in this category.
Explore the Nautilus super clone collection at Mirck Clone — every reference photographed, every spec documented, backed by 12-month warranty and free worldwide shipping over $1,200.
