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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Swiss automatic | Quartz |
| Case Size | 40mm | 42mm | 41.5mm | 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44.5mm | 51.3mm | 50mm | 51mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, leather strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Leather, textile |
| Water Resistance | 120m | 50m | 50m | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
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Buy Now at AliExpress |
Buy Now at D1 Milano
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Buy Now at AliExpress
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Patek Philippe Nautilus
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, leather strap |
| Water Resistance | 120m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
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Parnis Nautilus Homage
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 51.3mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at AliExpress |
D1 Milano Automatico
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| Movement | Swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 41.5mm |
| Lug to Lug | 50mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at D1 Milano
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Pladen Geneva
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| Movement | Quartz |
| Case Size | 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 51mm |
| Band | Leather, textile |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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Patek Philippe was known for decades as a maker of ornate precious metal watches when they introduced the then-weird and sporty Nautilus in 1976.
Undeniably, this timepiece was a gamechanger for the brand.
Moreover, the 42mm size was a definite precursor to the bigger-is-better trend that would take over the ‘80s.
The octagonal case and tank-like build captured the hearts of watch collectors, and considering how consistently successful they are on the auction market, continue to today.
Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of homages out there—and most of them are pretty bad.
Fortunately, we scoured the market to find six of them that satisfy a wide range of priorities. Read on to see which Patek Philippe Nautilus homage is the homage for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
As an auction professional, I’ve handled my fair share of Nautilus references. Patek is arguably even more of an auction darling than Rolex, after all.
I developed this round-up using my decade-long background in the industry, my experience with the choice homages (and many more that didn’t make the list), and through several consultations.
I deliberated with colleagues, specialists in my field, and watch collectors within and outside of my clientele. And since no wrist is made alike, I spent hours reading and watching reviews, and diving into watch forums to cast a wide net of priorities.
6 Best Patek Philippe Nautilus Homages
Image Source: AliExpress
As with any good homage, Parnis takes its source material and implements slight changes, allowing it to stand on its own instead of just being a legal replica.
The eight sides of the bezel are a bit more subtle since the edges are softer, while the dial window itself is basically a perfect circle. Still, the Nautilus-style brawny silhouette and horizontal dial embossing are all there.
Essentially, you still get the overall vibe of the Patek.
For a premium, you can upgrade your watch with a sapphire crystal, additional water-proofing, or a swan neck for the automatic Miyota movement. This allows you to tinker around with the priorities-budget seesaw, and also saves you time on potential modding.
On top of that, you get a good range of colorways, in near-flawless finishing.
What I Like
- The rounder dial window and more traditional lugs make the watch less hard-edged and intimidating, while still keeping the striking Nautilus aesthetic.
- You can customize your watch based on your budget and needs with in-house modding opportunities, including adding a swan neck to the movement, which regulates its pace for more reliability and less need for servicing.
- Even without the swan neck regulator, the automatic Miyota movement is efficient and reliable.
What I Don’t Like
- Even with express shipping, it can take a month for this watch to arrive from China.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Many reviewers love the rounder window, claiming it makes the watch less unconventional than the Nautilus, without taking away from its overall distinct look.
The only downside of note, which I’ve mentioned in past round-ups, is that a lot of reviewers recommend being extra attentive when working with online China-based Parnis sellers.
One customer mentions that he didn’t receive the extra links he requested to ensure the watch fits. This Reddit reviewer, meanwhile, also received an ill-fitting bracelet.
As always, keep in close touch with the sellers you deal with online. The 75-day guarantee this watch often comes with definitely helps, but dealing with returns and exchanges is never a good time.
The Verdict
The Parnis Nautilus homage takes the exact design language as the Patek, but smooths out a few edges for a less intimidating, but still bold aesthetic. This allows you to have the exact same wear and feel, but in variants that Patek doesn’t offer exactly.
Moreover, the different colorways and available upgrades lets you play around with your own priorities, both style-wise and functionally.
The Parnis Nautilus homage takes the exact design language as the Patek, but smooths out a few edges for a less intimidating, but still bold aesthetic. This allows you to have the exact same wear and feel, but in variants that Patek doesn’t offer exactly.
Image Source: D1 Milano
Italian-based Milano is a worthwhile under-the-radar watch brand in the upper mid-range market.
This Automatico is way dressier than the Nautilus, which is particularly apparent on the lustrous sunray dial, the light play of which is slightly pebbled resulting in more of a shimmer than a shine. It’s downright glittery in certain angles.
Everything about this watch immediately looks super premium, from the perfect polishing and brushing to the sapphire crystal. It comes in three colorways: An emerald-hued green, a sapphire-toned blue, and a classic black.
The movement is Miyota’s 24-jewel 9015 automatic, which boasts a vibration of 28,800bph. Even better is the fact you can see it through the exhibition caseback.
What I Like
- D1 Milano’s Italian roots and under-the-radar status give this watch an in-the-know cool factor.
- The alternating polished and brushed surfaces are immaculate and give the watch extra dimensionality and places for the light to hit differently.
- You can see the high-beat Miyota movement through the exhibition caseback.
What I Don’t Like
- Though well finished, the crown’s action is just a tad gritty.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the thin profile and comfortable wear of this watch. Many also praise how the bracelet looks and feels nigh similar to the Nautilus’s signature steel bracelet.
The logoless crown is a bit controversial, many enjoying its minimalist look, while others expect a luxury-leaning timepiece to have a signed crown.
The Verdict
Buzz phrases aside, the D1 Milano Automatico is truly “affordable luxury” in every objective sense. Its high-shine dial, gem-like indices, and beautiful finishing provide dimensionality and a dressier look than the Nautilus. Meanwhile, it runs on a reliable automatic movement, with an exhibition caseback to satisfy the horologically curious.
Buzz phrases aside, the D1 Milano Automatico is truly “affordable luxury” in every objective sense. Its high-shine dial, gem-like indices, and beautiful finishing provide dimensionality and a dressier look than the Nautilus. Meanwhile, it runs on a reliable automatic movement, with an exhibition caseback to satisfy the horologically curious.
Image Source: AliExpress
The Pladen Geneva has a slightly stouter look than the Patek, mostly due to its thicker bezel. Between that and its larger 44mm case size, this homage leans hard into the bigger-is-better look the Nautilus helped usher in.
This watch comes in vacuum-plated gold, rose gold, and silver tones, as well as two-tone variations, even offering versions with a moon phase on it.
For the most part, the body is pretty well-finished, especially for a fashion watch. There are certainly rougher surfaces on it, but it’s usually where you can’t see it, like the backside of the case or where bracelet links meet each other.
What I Like
- The different tones are vacuum-plated providing fade-resistant color, regardless of which one you go for.
- The finishing and applications are high-quality for the usually sub-$30 price point.
- This watch comes with a 75-day buyer guarantee and a three year warranty, which is impressive for a fashion watch.
What I Don’t Like
- Descriptions claim this watch has 30 meters of water resistance (which isn’t that great to begin with), but it actually doesn’t even do well in moderate rain.
- While the Geneva appellate on the dial refers to the watch’s name, it’s also misleading considering these are all definitely made in China.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers enjoy the fact this watch not only looks like the Nautilus, but wears like it as well. Moreover, since it’s so affordable, many mention starting a small collection to match with different outfits.
Reviewers are mostly split down the middle with Pladen’s use of an AP Royal Oak dial background. Some consider this watch an affordable solution to not being able to choose between the two comparable watches, while others prefer the Patek’s horizontal line embossing.
There are a few complaints about the water resistance and the quartz movement. I agree with the former, but considering the price point of this fashion watch, I can live with an accurate Miyota quartz movement.
The Verdict
Both in looks and wear, the Pladen Geneva scratches the Nautilus itch at, very literally, the most affordable price point. Plus, its cheap price and wide range of variants give it a Swatch-like collectibility factor.
Both in looks and wear, the Pladen Geneva scratches the Nautilus itch at, very literally, the most affordable price point. Plus, its cheap price and wide range of variants give it a Swatch-like collectibility factor.
The Rocos Nautilus is a “standard good homage” with a few pleasant surprises.
Here’s what I mean: It’s often found at less than $200, and has great finishing and detailed applications. The embossed dial has an attractive shine to it, and even the edges of the indices that touch angled parts of the outer dial angle along with it.
It has an automatic movement that also hacks and hand-winds, giving it a nice tactility.
That being the case, they don’t take short-cuts in a few places that homage-makers often do. I’m especially impressed with the bright, almost Rolex-like blue lume. The half size of the case also makes this watch super versatile when it comes to wrist sizes.
What I Like
- Despite being powered by a mystery caliber that’s definitely from China, the rotor is surprisingly quiet. Paul Reis must take the extra steps to ensure the movements are serviced before they go in the watches.
- The lume is long-lasting and has a nice blue tone to it.
- The double-butterfly clasp offers smooth action, but doesn’t pop off even during heavy activity.
What I Don’t Like
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Roco has a pretty substantial fanbase on watch forums, where posters rave about their topnotch finishing.
One reviewer mentions that the bracelet was a little squeaky when he first took it out of the box, but fixed the problem with some gun oil.
The Verdict
The Rocos Nautilus Homage definitely has the look of the Patek and, while it isn’t close to the Swiss hard-hitter’s level of functionality, a commendable level of performance as well. It’s a hacking automatic with excellent lume and an easy-use and reliable bracelet.
The Rocos Nautilus Homage definitely has the look of the Patek and, while it isn’t close to the Swiss hard-hitter’s level of functionality, a commendable level of performance as well. It’s a hacking automatic with excellent lume and an easy-use and reliable bracelet.
Image Source: Watch And Bullion
As with most Steel Bagelsport homages, this “Nautilus” achieves the broad design strokes of the Patek. Unless you put the two side-by-side, or unless you have a wildly professional watch eye combined with photographic memory, this lookalike is a certified legal replica.
Basically, this homage succeeds as the sum of its parts.
Still, I will say that the polishing is outstanding, with the smooth surfaces mirroring light from every angle, and the brushed surfaces complementing the flat ones with textured light reflection.
The only issue there is that this guy is definitely a fingerprint magnet, so just carry a small microfiber cloth with you.
What I Like
- The face is almost one-to-one with the Nautilus, including the long sweeping second hand that goes all the way to the edge of the dial.
- The accurate design and exceptional polishing and finishing offer a high value-to-price ratio.
- Thanks to its effective threading, the cro
What I Don’t Like
- This watch is discontinued and pretty hard to find. It pops up on eBay every so often, as well as on forums like Watchuseek and Watchcharts. I recommend posting on a few forums to see if anyone has one they’re willing to sell.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
This Steel Bagelsport is one of the most popular Nautilus homages on the internet. It’s commonly name-dropped on Reddit and Watchuseek, many posters confirming its superb quality for price. This watch could’ve been in the running for our top pick if it wasn’t so elusive.
The Verdict
If you could manage to get your hands on one, the Steel Bagelsport is truly one of the best affordable Nautilus homages on the market. Of course, it doesn’t have the same high-end finishing and detailing, but it certainly looks enough like the Patek, and wears like it as well, is beautifully polished, and runs on an efficient automatic movement.
If you could manage to get your hands on one, the Steel Bagelsport is truly one of the best affordable Nautilus homages on the market. Of course, it doesn’t have the same high-end finishing and detailing, but it certainly looks enough like the Patek, and wears like it as well, is beautifully polished, and runs on an efficient automatic movement.
Image Source: Paul Reis
The Paul Reis Medusa is close to the same level as the Steel Bagelsport.
It’s not as reputable or ID’d at watch forums as often, and the brand is cagey when it comes to the movement they use. However, it looks just as good, is well-finished for its price, and most importantly, it’s easily available.
You can get the Medusa on basically any secondary market as well as directly on the Paul Reis website.
And like the Steel Bagelsport, this homage is basically a legal copy that’ll satisfy your Nautilus craving at a tiny fraction of the cost.
What I Like
- The design is super close to the Nautilus, including the strategic mix of polished and brushed surfaces, and the iconic embossed dial face.
- Not only is this watch easily available, but Paul Reis has 24/7 customer support. You can even send them a text via WhatsApp.
- It’s equipped with Seiko’s Hardlex crystal, which is a step above a regular mineral since it’s been giving a hardening treatment.
What I Don’t Like
- This watch mysteriously comes at a wide range of prices, often much cheaper on AliExpress, and not necessarily cheaper on Amazon compared to the Paul Reis site. There’s no real explanation as to why, which makes me think it’s best to just stick to the official site versus potential fly-by-night second-hand sellers.
- Paul Reis is another brand that’s ambiguous with its movement. This doesn’t affect you for the most part, but if you start to have issues, it’s one extra mystery to solve for when you’re getting it serviced.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Paul Reis get’s a lot of points from reviewers for their customer service. Many praise the one one year warranty that every watch comes with, and the multiple pathways to reaching a customer service agent with questions. It’s refreshing for a China-based homage company to not run and hide from their patrons.
The Verdict
The Paul Reis Medusa is an easily available affordable Nautilus homage. They have a few unique offerings that set them apart, including the 24/7 customer service and their use of Seiko hardlex crystal for this particular model.
The Paul Reis Medusa is an easily available affordable Nautilus homage. They have a few unique offerings that set them apart, including the 24/7 customer service and their use of Seiko hardlex crystal for this particular model.
3 Quality Patek Philippe Nautilus Alternatives
While an homage is built as an aesthetic tribute to a more expensive watch, an alternative is a comparable model that isn’t necessarily less expensive. It’s often a competitor brand’s counterpart.
If you’re in the market for a Nautilus or homage, check out our worthwhile alternatives first.
Image Source: Bulgari
Like the Nautilus, the Octo Finissimo is a hard-edged tank of a watch that’s bold, modern yet industrial, and somehow elegant at the same time. Bulgari puts an Italian spin on this, using the Roman Basilica as inspiration. While the case and bracelet are polygonic, the face itself is minimal and abbreviated, all qualities marked instead of applied.
There are two particularly special features about this watch. First, it’s built with strong but light titanium, offering comfort and durability. Second, despite its Swiss automatic movement, the Octo Finissimo stands at an extra thin 5.15mm height, allowing for a monumental aesthetic minus the bulky wear.
Image Source: Audemars Piguet
Arguably, there wouldn’t even be a Nautilus if Audemars Piguet hadn’t come out with the Royal Oak. It came out several years before the Nautilus, basically begging for competition from other brands considering the attention it was getting. In the world of heavy-stroked luxury sport watches, the Nautilus is the Seamaster to the Royak Oak’s Submariner.
They both have an octagonal bezel, chic but mechanical-looking bracelets, and embossed dial faces. The Royal Oak’s visible bezel screws and ornate Tapisserie square dial pattern are instantly recognizable. Like the Nautilus, it boasts a premium Swiss build and a first-of-its-kind design.
Image Source: Zenith
Zenith’s Defy Skyline also sports a unique, multi-sided case, stepped bezel, and incorporated mechanical snake bracelet similar to the Patek. It has a more decorative and layered dial face though, with the repeating Zenith star pattern embossing instead of just simple lines. Additionally, the outer dial is also stepped which makes the edge-flused indices look like they’re floating.
Most importantly, this watch is powered by a high-frequency automatic from Zenith’s El Primero family of movements. The El Primero is one of the most important and legendary subdial-clad movements, even once powering the Rolex Daytona.
Which Patek Philippe Nautilus Homage Should You Get?
Thanks to its mix of unique and Nautilus-based elements, as well as its reliable automatic movement, the Parnis is our top pick.
The Parnis Nautilus homage takes the exact design language as the Patek, but smooths out a few edges for a less intimidating, but still bold aesthetic. This allows you to have the exact same wear and feel, but in variants that Patek doesn’t offer exactly.
If you can find it, the Steel Bagelsport also offers excellent quality to price, as does the Rocos with its tactile crown and surprisingly good lume.
Have a few more dollars to spend? Upgrade to the D1 Milano, an affordable luxury piece in its own right.
Buzz phrases aside, the D1 Milano Automatico is truly “affordable luxury” in every objective sense. Its high-shine dial, gem-like indices, and beautiful finishing provide dimensionality and a dressier look than the Nautilus. Meanwhile, it runs on a reliable automatic movement, with an exhibition caseback to satisfy the horologically curious.
If you’re on a budget, the Pladen homage is easily found under $50.
It’s all about figuring out what you love (and even don’t love) about the Nautilus itself and finding that in your choice of homage and decided budget.
FAQs
How long is Patek Philippe Nautilus waiting list?
With the right offer you can typically bypass waiting lists. However, most authorized dealers have Nautilus waiting lists that can be anywhere from two years to up to 10 years long.
Do Patek Philippe watches go up in value?
Yes. At worst, Pateks will hold their value. Since they consistently do well at auctions though, they tend to go up in value and hence are a great investment timepiece.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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