A Coveted Luxury Watch With Great Resale Value Could Earn You Millions Of Dollars If You Sell In 2025

The Patek Philippe Nautilus has delivered gains that rival some investments in the stock market. According to Quill & Pad, the stainless 5711/1A model climbed 361% from January 2018 to early 2022. Even after the market cooled, mid-2025 listings still land between $91,000 and $110,000 on platforms like WatchCharts and Chrono24. That is from the retail price of $34,890 as of December 2021. For comparison, the S&P 500 returned about 94% over that same five-year stretch. In simple terms, Nautilus owners saw nearly four times the gain of a standard index fund. The figure still doesn't come close even if you invested in S&P 500 ten years ago.

The rise in price is because there isn't a lot out there. Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult estimate that Patek Philippe produces around 72,000 watches annually, as reported via The Hour Markers. In an October 2024 interview, President Thierry Stern confirmed that the Nautilus, Aquanaut, and the new Cubitus line together will make up no more than 40% of that output. That means fewer than 29,000 sport models are available each year.

Also, waiting times for a steel Nautilus at authorized dealers now stretch between eight and 10 years. Based on current production rates, it would take nearly a full decade just to serve the existing queue. That means demand is nine times greater than what Patek delivers each year. So if you have one today, and you know the best two days to resell luxury watches, you could earn millions.

The Nautilus keeps breaking records in the world of luxury watches. On November 25, 2024, a one-of-a-kind steel Nautilus, reference 5711/1500A, sold for CHF 6.7 million (or $7.3 million) at a charity auction in Geneva held by Children Action. This custom-engraved model topped the $6.5 million paid for the Tiffany Blue 5711/1A-018 in 2021, setting a new record for the most expensive steel sports watch ever sold.

According to WatchCharts' June 2025 report, a regular steel 5711/1A is now selling for about $91,427, well above its original retail price of $34,890. That's a rise of 160% and limited supply is driving prices even higher. The olive-green 5711/1A-014 now sells for between $200,000 and $260,000, via Chrono24, about five to six times its original price. Tiffany-stamped 5711/1A-018 models often go for over $1.5 million, more than forty times retail. These numbers show how collectors who picked up rare models before the 5711 was discontinued in 2022 are now holding watches that belong in a different price league altogether.

To sell a luxury watch, first use a soft, lint-free cloth and a bit of mild soap to clean off skin oils and dust. Hodinkee's guide notes that even tap water can leave a residue that dulls the finish, so be gentle. Avoid polishing the case as collectors prefer sharp, untouched edges, and unnecessary buffing can reduce the watch's appeal. Next, gather everything that came with the watch; the original box, papers, extra links, and any service records.

To prove it is credible, you can order a Patek Philippe "Extract from the Archives" (CHF 500), which confirms the build date and original dial. Pairing your Patek Philippe Extract with a professional appraisal can add real value. Buyers are often willing to pay even more when a trusted third-party valuation is included. Major auction houses like Phillips and Christie's also offer free online estimates through their watch experts.

Then, pick a selling option that fits your timeline and comfort level. High-end auctions like Phillips' Watch Auction or Christie's online sales draw serious collectors looking for standout Nautilus models or any other watch worth a ton of money. These routes may take more time because there's a catalog deadline and seller fees. For a faster sale, consider trusted dealers like The RealReal, who will either buy your watch outright or sell it on consignment while handling the marketing, and escrow in exchange for a share of the sale.