Introduction
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 is the complication that the 5711 deliberately withholds. Where the time-and-date 5711 makes restraint its defining virtue, the 5712 adds three further functions to the same 40mm case: a moonphase display, a date, and a power reserve indicator. The result is a dial of unusual asymmetry, a movement of considerable technical depth, and a watch that has occupied a specific position in the Nautilus hierarchy for nearly two decades as the entry point into Patek's Nautilus complications universe.
In early 2025, Patek Philippe silently discontinued the steel 5712/1A-001 — removing it from the official catalogue without public announcement. The 5712/1A had been in production since 2006. Its removal follows the broader strategic movement of Patek Philippe's steel Nautilus references toward discontinuation or precious metal equivalents.
Quick Specifications — 5712/1A-001 (Steel Reference)
- Brand: Patek Philippe
- Model: Nautilus Moonphase
- Reference: 5712/1A-001
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Case Size: 40mm × 8.52mm
- Dial: Blue gradient; asymmetric layout: small seconds at 4 o'clock; date and moonphase counter at 7 o'clock; arc-shaped power reserve indicator at 10 o'clock; applied luminous baton hour markers; horizontal embossed stripes
- Bezel: Integrated octagonal with rounded corners; alternating polished and satin-brushed finishing
- Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel five-link bracelet; also offered on integrated leather strap — the first Nautilus to offer this option
- Movement / Caliber: Patek Philippe Calibre 240 PS IRM C LU, in-house manufacture
- Winding: Automatic (self-winding via 22k gold micro-rotor)
- Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
- Movement Thickness: 3.98mm
- Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours
- Complications: Small seconds (4 o'clock subdial); moonphase and date (combined counter at 7 o'clock); power reserve indicator (arc at 10 o'clock)
- Certification: Patek Philippe Seal
- Water Resistance: 120m / 394ft
- Production Period: Introduced 2006; discontinued early 2025
All Sub-References — Complete Overview
5712/1A-001 — Steel, blue gradient dial, integrated bracelet. The reference that defined the family for nineteen years. Discontinued early 2025.
5712/1R-001 — 18k Rose Gold, blue/chocolate dial, integrated bracelet. Added to the range in 2022. The most recent addition to the standard-production 5712 family and the only current-production reference at the time of writing.
5712G-001 — 18k White Gold, grey/black dial, integrated leather strap. A white gold 5712 with a darker grey dial and leather integrated strap. Emphasises the dressed character of the 5712.
5712GR-001 — Two-tone White and Rose Gold, grey dial, integrated leather strap. A bi-colour gold configuration created in 2010 as a limited edition for the Asian market before being extended to the broader catalogue in 2012. This sub-reference has been discontinued.
5712T-001 — Titanium (piece-unique). The Only Watch 2007 piece-unique. Grey dial with black sub-dials, titanium case. Sold at the 2007 Only Watch auction for €525,000.
Production status of individual sub-references should be confirmed via Patek Philippe authorised dealers.
Movement and Technical Details
The Calibre 240 PS IRM C LU is an ultra-thin automatic movement measuring 3.98mm thick — achieved through the use of a 22k gold micro-rotor embedded within the movement's mainplate rather than mounted above it. The moonphase display is accurate to within one day over 122 years. The four red dots indicating a low power reserve warning are a detail changed from three dots on the predecessor 3712 — a distinction that Patek Philippe enthusiasts treat as an authentication and provenance point.
Why Collectors Care
The 5712 occupied a specific collector position: the Nautilus with a complication worth caring about. The moonphase is a romantic, visually beautiful function that has no practical purpose beyond reminding the wearer of the lunar cycle — which is, to most collectors, exactly why it matters. The steel 5712/1A attracted buyers who wanted the Nautilus case with something more than the 5711's admirable restraint. Its discontinuation in early 2025, following the 5711's exit in 2021, continues the pattern of Patek Philippe withdrawing steel Nautilus references from the catalogue without immediate replacement.
Final Thoughts
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 is the Nautilus for buyers who want the case without the restraint. The steel 5712/1A was nineteen years of quiet excellence, now fixed in the secondary market following its early 2025 discontinuation. The rose gold 5712/1R remains available through authorised channels. Wind It Up Watches can help source a verified example through our trusted network.