Everything About the Discontinued Patek Philippe Nautilus Moonphase 5712/1A
Patek Philippe has quietly discontinued the Nautilus Moonphase 5712/1A-001. Explore its legacy, key details, and what collectors should know now.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A-001: The Stainless Steel Classic
Patek Philippe has closed a significant chapter in its Nautilus collection with the discontinuation of the Nautilus Moonphase reference 5712/1A-001. Initially introduced in 2006 as an evolution to the 3712/1A, the 5712/1A elicited charm through the incorporation of subdial complications which served to elevate Gerald Genta’s initial Nautilus design beyond that of date and time.
This overview explores the history of the 5712/1A-001 reference, its defining features, the implications of its discontinuation, and why its limited availability is driving strong demand on the secondary market.
A Brief History of The Nautilus Moonphase 5712/1A-001
The Nautilus was first introduced in 1976 as Patek Philippe’s answer to the emerging demand for luxury sports watches.The initial Nautilus reference, the 3700, quickly garnered collector interest for its distinctive porthole-inspired case, integrated bracelet, and slim profile—an aesthetic which redefined the notion that a luxury watch must be in the format of a gold dress watch.
In 2006, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus collection, Patek Philippe released several updated models, among which was the 5712/1A-001. This reference represented an evolution of the earlier 3712 reference, maintaining its signature complications while incorporating subtle design updates. The 5712/1A featured a larger 40mm case (up from approximately 38mm on the 3712), enhanced bracelet construction, and a refined dial layout, all while preserving the asymmetrical and poetic presentation of its functions.
Key Feature of the 5712/1A: The Movement
At the heart of the 5712/1A-001 is the calibre 240 PS IRM C LU, an ultra-thin automatic movement measuring just 3.98mm thick. It features a 22k gold micro-rotor embedded within the mainplate to reduce thickness while providing efficient winding. The movement powers the moonphase and date complication, power reserve indicator, and small seconds—an impressive feat given the watch’s slim case profile.
The calibre 240 is emblematic of Patek Philippe’s approach to technical refinement, offering collectors a high-horology complication layout in a discreet, wearable form.
Design Language and Collector Appeal
One of the defining features of the 5712/1A-001 is its dialconfiguration. Unlike the symmetrical chronograph subdials of its sibling, the 5712 presents its complications in an off-centre design that feels organic and dynamic. The gradient blue dial, transitioning from deep navy to lighter blue, enhances the visual depth of the display, while the horizontally embossed pattern remains true to the Nautilus aesthetic.
Collectors have long appreciated the 5712/1A for its ability to integrate the romance of a moonphase complication into a robust, yet elegant, stainless steel sports watch. Such combination has elevated the watch into becoming one of the most versatile and distinctive pieces in Patek Philippe’s modern catalogue.
The End of an Era for the Nautilus Moonphase 5712A
In early 2025, Patek Philippe silently discontinued the 5712/1A-001, removing the reference from its official catalogue without major public announcements. This has led to speculation as to whether the brand might be continuing with its broader strategic approach of evolving its collections by shifting some complication references away from production in stainless steel and into that of precious metal.
What This Mean for Collectors
The end of production for the 5712/1A-001 has sparked significant demand on the secondary market. As no direct stainless steel replacement has been announced by Patek Philippe, collectors view existing examples of the 5712/1A-001 as increasingly prized assets. The watch’s combination of rarity, technical complication, and timeless Genta design ensures its desirability shall continue to entice collectors in the coming years.
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