Originally introduced in 2006 alongside the legendary reference 5711, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase ref. 5712 represents a step up in terms of mechanical complexity, and it features a micro-rotor movement that offers both a power reserve indicator and moonphase display. Unlike the time-and-date ref. 5711, which was discontinued at the end of 2021, the Moon Phase reference 5712 still remains in production today. However, Patek Philippe has produced this model in a handful of different executions throughout the years, and the value of Nautilus 5712 watches can range dramatically depending on the specific reference, its materials, and even the type of dial that is fitted to it.
About the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712
While the original Patek Philippe Nautilus from 1976 was a simple three-handed timepiece, the brand’s iconic sports watch collection has significantly expanded over the course of its storied history, and you will now find Nautilus watches in a variety of sizes and fitted with various different types of complications. Offering the same 40mm case diameter as the standard “Jumbo” time-and-date model, the Nautilus 5711 is slightly taller at 8.52mm thick, although it turns things up a notch with the caliber 240 PS IRM C LU micro-rotor movement, which offers the added functionality of both a moonphase display and power reserve indicator.
Unlike the standard time-and-date version of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which features a centrally-mounted running seconds hand, the reference 5712 opts for a small seconds sub-dial at the 4 o’clock position, while a dual-purpose register at 7 o’clock displays both the date and the current phase of the moon. Meanwhile, an arc-shaped power reserve indicator resides at the 10 o’clock location, and the cumulative results of this rather unconventional layout create a unique asymmetric display that sets these moonphase-equipped models apart from all of the various other Nautilus watches.
All Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase ref. 5712 watches are identical in terms of their dimensions and functionality, although examples can be found in a variety of different materials and configurations. While some versions of the ref. 5712 are fitted with the collection’s signature integrated bracelet, the Nautilus 5712 also holds the distinction of being the first model from the series to receive an integrated leather strap, and you will find several discontinued references that are paired with leather straps that offer a more refined and elegant overall appearance. At the time of writing, there have been a total of six different versions of the reference 5712, although only two models still exist within the brand’s current-production lineup, and both examples are fitted with matching integrated bracelets. With that in mind, the rest of the models can still be found on the secondary market, and all of the different Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 watches trade hands for values that are significantly higher than their original retail prices.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 History
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase reference 5712 first appeared in 2006 as a replacement for the short-lived ref. 3712, which only remained in production for a single year between 2005 and 2006, and holds the title of being the very first Nautilus model to feature a moonphase complication. While the Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 offers an incredibly similar appearance to its ref. 3712 predecessor, it features an updated three-part case with a screw-down crown and slightly more rounded ears, plus it also offers a revised dial and handset, which are characterized by a few subtle updates that relate to their finishing and proportions.
When the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 was first launched in 2006, the model made its debut appearance in three different configurations, which included the stainless steel ref. 5712/1A-001, the rose gold 5712R-001, and the white gold 5712G-001. With that in mind, while the stainless steel model was fitted with a blue gradient dial and a matching integrated bracelet, the two original 18k gold versions were both paired with gray-colored dials, and both precious metal models were fitted with black or brown leather straps, which represented the first time that Patek Philippe had ever offered its signature sports watch with anything other than its signature integrated H-link bracelet.
The following year in 2007, Patek Philippe produced a one-of-a-kind version of the Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 for the biennial Only Watch charity auction. At a quick glance, the piece-unique ref. 5712T-001 bears a striking resemblance to the 18k white gold version of the model, and it also features a gray dial with a black leather integrated strap. However, unlike the standard-production white gold Nautilus 5712, the Only Watch 2007 version features a case made from titanium, along with a gray dial that has contrasting silver registers, and it sold for €525,000 EUR, which was a highly impressive result for the time.
The next new addition to the reference 5712 lineup came in the form of a two-tone model that is crafted from both 18k white and rose gold. Originally created in 2010 as a limited edition exclusively for the Asian market before being expanded to the standard catalog in 2012, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712GR-001 features a gray dial with an integrated leather strap like is two solid gold siblings, although its case is crafted from both white and rose gold, with rose gold accents also appearing on its hands and hour markers. With that in mind, the two-tone Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 was a fairly short-lived offering within the brand’s catalog, and it was discontinued as an option by the end of 2015.
In 2022, Patek Philippe announced a new 18k rose gold version of the Nautilus 5712, and unlike the original model that first debuted in 2006, the new Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase ref. 5712/1R-001 is fitted with a brown sunburst dial, and it also includes the collection’s usual integrated bracelet, which is crafted from solid 18k rose gold to match its case. Although Patek Philippe kept all three gold versions of the Nautilus 5712 as part of its catalog for a couple of short years, the brand ultimately discontinued the two strap-equipped models in 2024, and the only two Nautilus Moon Phase watches that still remain part of the brand’s catalog are the stainless steel ref. 5712/1A-001 and the rose gold ref. 5712/1R-001, with both models featuring integrated bracelets attached to their lugs.
Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 Guide Key Features
- Model Name: Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phases
- Reference Numbers: 5712/1A-001, 5712R-001, 5712G-001, 5712/1R-001, 5712GR-001, 5712T-001
- Year of Introduction: 2006 (5712/1A-001, 5712R-001, and 5712G-001); 2007 (5712T-001); 2010/2012 (5712GR-001); 2022 (5712/1R-001)
- Popular Nicknames: Nautilus Moon Phase
- Materials: Stainless Steel (5712/1A-001); 18k Rose Gold (5712R-001 and 5712/1R-001); 18k White Gold (5712G-001); Two-Tone Rose + White Gold (5712GR-001); Titanium (5712T-001)
- Case Size: 40mm
- Functionality: Hours, minutes, seconds, date display, moon phase, power reserve indicator
- Bezel: Fixed (linear brushed w/ polished bevels)
- Dials: Blue (5712/1A-001); Gray (5712R-001, 5712G-001, 5712GR-001, and 5712T-001); Brown (5712/1R-001))
- Hands: Baton-style w/ luminous inlays
- Crystal: Sapphire (flat)
- Movement: Caliber 240 PS IRM C LU (automatic w/ micro-rotor)
- Notable Details:
- Water Resistance: 30 meters / 100 feet
- Strap/Bracelet: Integrated bracelet (5712/1A-001 and 5712/1R-001); Leather Strap (5712R-001, 5712G-001, 5712GR-001, and 5712T-001)
- Retail Price (April 2024): $51,260 USD (5712/1A-001); $83,310 USD (5712/1R-001)
Patek Philippe Caliber Caliber 240 PS IRM C LU Movement
Regardless of their differences, all Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase ref. 5712 watches are powered by the same 29-jewel Caliber 240 PS IRM C LU automatic movement, which consists of 265 components and runs at a frequency of 21,600vph (3 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. In addition to offering a power reserve indicator, date display, and moonphase compilation, the Patek Philippe Cal. 240 PS IRM C LU movement also features a free-sprung Gyromax balance with the brand’s Spiromax silicon hairspring, and it winds itself with an off-center minirotor that is crafted from solid 22k yellow gold.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 Models
Since its initial launch in 2006, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 has been offered in a variety of different configurations, and at the time of writing, there have been a total of six different reference 5712 watches. However, three of the solid gold models have been discontinued and are no longer in production, while the titanium version was created as a piece-unique for Only Watch 2007, and there are now only two Nautilus Moon Phase ref. 5712 watches that still remain part of the brand’s current-production catalog.
Nautilus ref. 5712/1A-001
Launched in 2006 among the original trio of reference 5712 watches, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712/1A-001 is the stainless steel version of the model, and it is the only one from the original three references that still remains in production today. Fitted with a matching stainless steel integrated bracelet and a blue gradient dial that fades to black along its outer edge, the ref. 5712/1A-001 is the quintessential example of the Nautilus Moon Phase, and it is typically the first watch that comes to mind whenever someone thinks of the Patek Philippe reference 5712.
Nautilus ref. 5712R-001
The Patek Philippe reference 5712R-001 is the original rose gold version of the model that first debuted in 2006 as part of the original trio of Nautilus Moon Phase watches. Fitted with a gray gradient dial and a brown leather strap, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712R-001 was one of the two models that first introduced integrated straps to the collection, and it remained a cornerstone offering in the brand’s catalog until it was ultimately discontinued in 2024. Although all Nautilus 5712R-001 watches are fitted with the same style of dial, their appearance can differ dramatically, and while some still closely adhere to their original gray gradient colorway that fades to black along the outer edge, others have gracefully aged throughout the years and now offer a slightly darker brown-tinted appearance.
Nautilus ref. 5712G-001
Produced between 2006 and 2024, the white gold Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712G-001 was among the original trio of reference 5712 watches, and just like its rose gold sibling, the ref. 5712G-001 was one of the two models that first introduced integrated leather straps to the Nautilus collection. Fitted with a gray dial and a black leather strap, the Nautilus 5712G-001 is arguably the most dressy execution of the brand’s moonphase-equipped sports watch, and it is the only version that has ever been crafted entirely from 18k white gold. Unlike the gray dial found inside the rose gold 5712R-001, the dial fitted to the white gold Nautilus Moon Phase 5712G-001 lacks the radial gradient effect that darkens to black along its outer edge, and this provides it with a noticeably lighter appearance that better compliments its refined monochromatic colorway.
Nautilus ref. 5712/1R-001
First announced in 2022, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712/1R-001 is the second iteration crafted from solid 18k rose gold, and it is one of the two reference 5712 watches that still remains part of Patek Philippe’s modern catalog. Unlike the original rose gold 5712R-001 that debuted in 2006, the Nautilus 5712/1R-001 features a brown sunburst dial with a gradient effect that darkens to black along its outer edge, and its lugs are fitted with the collection’s signature integrated bracelet, which is crafted from solid rose gold to match the case. Although Patek Philippe offered both rose gold Nautilus 5712 watches as part of its catalog for two short years, the strap-equipped version was ultimately discontinued in 2024, and now the ref. 5712/1R-001 is the only rose gold Nautilus Moon Phase model still available at a retail level.
Nautilus ref. 5712GR-001
Originally launched in 2010 as a limited edition for the Asian market, the two-tone Nautilus Moon Phase 5712GR-001 was ultimately expanded into a core-collection offering, and it formally joined Patek Philippe’s catalog in 2012. In many ways, the reference 5712GR-001 can be seen as a combination of the two original solid gold Nautilus Moon Phase watches, and while its middle case is crafted from 18k white gold, its bezel, caseback ring, and center links appear in 18k rose gold to create its signature two-tone aesthetic. Similar to the original strap-equipped rose gold model from 2006, the Nautilus Moon Phase ref. 5712GR-001 is fitted with a gray gradient dial that has rose gold hands and hour markers, and its lugs are fitted with a brown integrated leather strap with rose gold center links connecting it to the case.
Nautilus ref. 5712T-001 (Only Watch 2007)
Created as a one-of-a-kind offering for the Only Watch 2007 charity auction, the Patek Philippe ref. 5712T-001 is the titanium version of the Nautilus Moon Phase, and it stands out as the rarest and most desirable execution of this classic moonphase-equipped model. Similar to the white gold version that debuted the previous year in 2006, the titanium Nautilus Moon Phase 5712T-001 is fitted with a gray dial and a black integrated leather strap, although its sub-dials appear in a contrasting silver color, and its case is crafted entirely from brushed and polished titanium. Since the reference 5712T-001 was created as a one-of-a-kind offering for Only Watch 2007, it was never part of Patek Philippe’s official catalog, and while this titanium piece-unique originally sold for an impressive €525,000 EUR back in 2007, you can guarantee that it would command a significantly higher price if it were to surface again and hit the auction block.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 Price Information
As of April 2024, the only Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 watches that are still in production are the two bracelet-equipped models, and they are accompanied by an official retail price of $51,260 USD for the stainless steel ref. 5712/1A-001 and $83,310 USD for the rose gold 5712/1R-001. With that in mind, both of these models are extremely difficult to obtain at a retail level, and all six Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 watches trade hands on the secondary market for values that are significantly higher than their original retail prices.
Generally speaking, the least expensive Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase watches are the two discontinued strap-equipped versions in 18k gold, and both the rose gold ref. 5712R-001 and white gold 5712G-001 typically hover somewhere in the $80,000 to $100,000 range, depending on their age and overall condition. From there, the classic stainless steel ref. 5712/1A-001 represents the next most attainable Nautilus Moon Phase model, and while you can technically still buy this watch from Patek Philippe for its rather reasonable $51,260 USD retail price (assuming you have a very good relationship with your local authorized retailer or boutique), available examples of the stainless steel Nautilus 5712 cost a significant premium on the secondary market, with most trading hands for somewhere between $100,000 to $130,000.
Naturally, the full-rose gold ref. 5712/1R-001 with its matching 18k rose gold integrated bracelet is the most expensive offering among the standard-production Nautilus Moon Phase models with most examples trading hands on the open market for anywhere between $200,000 and $220,000. Lastly, the titanium piece-unique ref. 5712T-001 that was created for Only Watch 2007 is the absolute most expensive version of the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase, and while it originally sold for €525,000 EUR back in 2007, this highly exclusive one-of-a-kind offering would likely fetch a much higher price if it were to be sold again today.
With that in mind, just like other Patek Philippe watches, the Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 can also be found with Tiffany dials, and since these double-stamped versions can only be purchased from Tiffany & Co. boutiques, they are worth a significant premium above their otherwise identical counterparts. On the low-end side of the price spectrum, a Tiffany & Co. dial version of the rose gold ref. 5712R-001 or white gold 5712G-001 might be worth an extra $20,000 to $50,000, although a Tiffany-stamped dial can result in a six-figure premium for the two bracelet-equipped versions of the model. For example, while a standard stainless steel Nautilus Moon Phase 5712/1A-001 might be worth somewhere in the realm of $100,000 to $130,000 on the open market, a Tiffany & Co. dial version will generally sell for anywhere between $220,000 and $300,000, while the full-rose ref. 5712/1R-001 with a Tiffany dial can sometimes reach prices that are close to half a million dollars.
While the classic time-and-date version of the Patek Philippe Nautilus will always be the most iconic and recognizable model, the reference 5712 represents the next step up in terms of mechanical complexity and exclusivity. Additionally, while you also have the option of getting a moonphase complication with the Nautilus Annual Calendar ref. 5726, the asymmetric dial layout of the Nautilus 5712 is one of this model’s most defining features, and it sets these moonphase-equipped sports watches apart from the rest of the greater Nautilus lineup. As the first Nautilus to introduce the option of an integrated leather strap, the reference 5712 holds a special place within the history of Patek Philippe, and all six versions of the Nautilus Moon Phase 5712 are grail-worthy watches that make excellent additions to any serious collection.