Advice on Patek Nautilus 7118

[studioJ]

Hey guys, I've been given the opportunity to purchase a Nautilus 7118 with a grey dial at retail. This would be my first Patek. I've always wanted a Nautilus, but always found the full size much too big for my smaller sized wrists.

I know this is totally subjective and I already have my own opinions, but would love to hear if you guys think it looks too small or not. The one I've been able to try on in the photos has the diamond bezel, but the one I'd be purchasing wouldn't have any diamonds and would be full steel.

Keen to hear thoughts, so do let me know!

[Pw92676]

This looks a bit small.
You may want to look at 3800. The price there seems to have dropped a bit.

[JMac6]

The poster above is correct. I’d look at the 3800, which is a midsize Nautilus that actually looks like a Nautilus. The 7118 has that shrink-it-and-pink-it approach to making a gendered Nautilus. It is softer and more feminine and I think the 7118 does not do the Nautilus any favors.

Also, while the 7118 retains the same width as the 5811, with the reduced diameter, it does not maintain the same proportions. I feel like the midsized iterations of integrated bracelet sports watches often have this problem. The 3800 is .7mm thinner and it gets a lot closer to the proportions of the 5811.

Also, in terms of diameter, you can go bigger.

A 3800, for your troubles.

[jgottsman11]

Yea don't get that. Get a 3800

[s14roller]

Looks small

[~JJ]

Hard pass for me.

[studioJ]

Very interesting idea that. I’ve not tried on a 3800, they seem quite scarce online too. How differently do you guys think it would wear from the 7811 I’ve attached above, a lot bigger?

[jgottsman11]

Originally Posted by studioJ

Very interesting idea that. I’ve not tried on a 3800, they seem quite scarce online too. How differently do you guys think it would wear from the 7811 I’ve attached above, a lot bigger?

No not a lot bigger at all. Plus it’s a way better looking watch

[studioJ]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

No not a lot bigger at all. Plus it’s a way better looking watch

If it doesn’t wear too much bigger, why exactly do you think I should go for a 3800 over a 7811? Sorry if I’m being dumb!

[Russell996]

I think the 7118 looks great. It is from the ladies range, this will bother some and not others, if you like it and it fits well then clearly worth considering. The 5800 is also a lovely piece but the price is 2x, if you have the funds I would go 5800.

[1William]

The proportions are off to me. Hard pass.

[studioJ]

Just to confirm - I'd be buying the steel bezel, not diamond

[Gva1985]

I personally would not buy a ladies model and would rather buy another watch. Anyway you do as you please

[studioJ]

Originally Posted by Gva1985

I personally would not buy a ladies model and would rather buy another watch. Anyway you do as you please

For what reason? Movement is the same as the Gents version as far as I’m aware. I’m not here to make a profit but grey goes way over retail soo it retains its value very well. Is it just because it’s stated as a ladies?

I’m also not in any watch circles so the point of it being pointed out as a ladies is zero for me.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by studioJ

If it doesn’t wear too much bigger, why exactly do you think I should go for a 3800 over a 7811? Sorry if I’m being dumb!

because the 3800 is a real mid size nautilus with great proportions and the 7118 is a spin off designed to be a bit different. still a nice watch but it's clear that the proportions, dials and bracelet are designed to make it a ladies watch

i'm all for small watches and unisex models but to me the 7118 feels too obviously feminine

[Gva1985]

Originally Posted by studioJ

For what reason? Movement is the same as the Gents version as far as I’m aware. I’m not here to make a profit but grey goes way over retail soo it retains its value very well. Is it just because it’s stated as a ladies?

I’m also not in any watch circles so the point of it being pointed out as a ladies is zero for me.

For the same reason I would not buy a ladies coat or shirt despite how nice the fabric or the fit is but it might be a limit of mine. You seem to be quite happy with the potential purchase so why not if it scratches your itch of having a Nautilus

[EUguy]

Amazing watch. While it is indeed from the ladies range, I would not be bothered by that. I think it looks good on you, certainly if you would wear it a bit more loose and hanging more on your hand (I know, that is not what you should to perhaps but for me it is much more comfortable).

Here is a read on the ladies Nautilus worn by watch enthusiast Alessandro Squarzi, who stopped wearing the men’s Nautilus and now wears the ladies version… https://www.watchinsanity.it/en/ales...-fa-lorologio/

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by studioJ

For what reason? Movement is the same as the Gents version as far as I’m aware. I’m not here to make a profit but grey goes way over retail soo it retains its value very well. Is it just because it’s stated as a ladies?

I’m also not in any watch circles so the point of it being pointed out as a ladies is zero for me.

Sounds like it’s a good fit for you as your first Patek, you are happy with the style and it’s a great size for you. Getting it at retail is the way to go 👍. Built in micro adjustment is also super useful. No screw down crown is a slight negative.

[jgottsman11]

The watch looks feminine regardless of bezel choice. If it doesn't to you, then buy it and enjoy it!

[V25V]

No, looks way too small. They can call it "unisex" but my wife has one and its very feminine and small.

[Top G]

Woman's watch IMO

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by studioJ

If it doesn’t wear too much bigger, why exactly do you think I should go for a 3800 over a 7811? Sorry if I’m being dumb!

I think the 3800 is far more similar to the nautilus experience that is so widely craved. It wears bigger than the 7118.

The 7118 is a ladies variant that IMO is very popular amongst nautilus owners who want something matching for their wife. Consider the Royal oak: the 37mm is more balanced for unisex wearing but a 33mm is generally not purchased by men with the logic of “same but smaller.”

Ultimately if one were wearing a ladies watch, it’s up to them and I could care less. In jest I’d encourage it because that lowers the number of men’s nautilus buyers by 1 person lol. Do what suits you, but you likely won’t have many advocates on this forum. Make sure you love the watch so you don’t get buyers regret later.

Gratuitous suggestion would be to look at the Calatrava collection if you really want AD bnib.

[ts3]

With a 6.6 inch and flat wrist I found the 3800 very small and couldn't push myself to get one for sth like 10k a decade plus ago. Colleague of mine was wearing one every day in the early 2000s but he was a midget.

The 5711 initially looked a little large on my 6.6 inch wrist but I am happy I went down that route and it has been my most worn watch for years.

Not a fan of the 7118 at all no matter which iteration.

Just to add, I'd prefer 5800 over 3800 but unless money is no object I would not recommend paying secondary prices for a 5800 as it is just a more rare 3800 with slightly wider ears. The current 3800 secondary prices feel crazy to me already.

[Calatrava r]

The watch line you have on is styled for the lady's market. I would pass on it.

[messikens]

Hard pass...

There's a reason you were offered a 7118 - it's not a real nautilus

[WatchYoSelf]

Tons of guys are wearing the ladies 5261r. Distinguishing between men’s and women’s watches is increasingly less of a thing. From the photos you posted, the size looks good.

[Pumphry Bigelow]

Originally Posted by studioJ

Hey guys, I've been given the opportunity to purchase a Nautilus 7118 with a grey dial at retail. This would be my first Patek. I've always wanted a Nautilus, but always found the full size much too big for my smaller sized wrists.

I know this is totally subjective and I already have my own opinions, but would love to hear if you guys think it looks too small or not. The one I've been able to try on in the photos has the diamond bezel, but the one I'd be purchasing wouldn't have any diamonds and would be full steel.

Keen to hear thoughts, so do let me know!

Looks to small IMHO

[Slackergirl]

Originally Posted by EUguy

Amazing watch. While it is indeed from the ladies range, I would not be bothered by that. I think it looks good on you, certainly if you would wear it a bit more loose and hanging more on your hand (I know, that is not what you should to perhaps but for me it is much more comfortable).

Here is a read on the ladies Nautilus worn by watch enthusiast Alessandro Squarzi, who stopped wearing the men’s Nautilus and now wears the ladies version… https://www.watchinsanity.it/en/ales...-fa-lorologio/

Great article. Thanks for posting.

[Slackergirl]

You mentioned doing one without the diamonds. I think the size looks great on you, not too in your face. If you like it def get it.

[mickyd329]

Looks too small on you IMO. Don't know what your wrist size is, but I think a standard 40mm Nautilus would fit just fine.