There are some watches in which their desirability lies almost entirely in their exclusivity. The Patek Philippe Nautilus is one of them. This is a watch that is infamously hard to get hold of, with used models selling for over £70,000 and waitlists for new references lasting up to eight years.
There are many reasons for this. For starters, Patek Philippe is considered one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world, and as their marketing department has proven, a luxury watch that is easily accessible is no longer a luxury watch desired. Of all their watches, the Nautilus is the company’s best-known design, famously created by legendary watch designer Gérald Genta who apparently sketched the design in less than five minutes at a restaurant table at Basel watch fair during the early 1970’s.
Inspired by the shape of portholes on luxury cruise liners, the iconic octagonal bezel and sweeping integrated case and bracelet has become one of the most familiar architectures in the watch industry. So much so, it has inspired a whole genre of timepiece known as the “integrated sports watch.” Thankfully, this means those of us unwilling to part with £70k and wait up to eight years for a Nautilus have plenty of affordable alternatives to the Patek Philippe Nautilus to choose from.
Bell & Ross BR 05
Bell & Ross BR05. Credit: @realwatchbrothers
Offering a very similar look with its flat, broad and rounded square bezel and integrated bracelet, the Bell & Ross BR 05 is a great alternative to the Patek Philippe Nautilus, retailing from £4,100. It is the most expensive model on today’s list, so don’t be put off yet if we’re still over budget. But this watch does pack a large punch of design and tech for its price. It’s finished to the nines with brushed and polished detailing adorning every angle of the 40mm wide and 10.7mm tall steel case and arrives with a huge selection of dial colours; the copper brown and grey steel being two personal favourites. Displayed through the back is the BR-CAL.321 automatic winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
Tissot PRX
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Rose Gold. Credit: WatchGecko.
Possibly one of the most popular integrated sports watches of the last twelve months, and for good reason, is the Tissot PRX. With barrel-shaped cases measuring to 35mm or 40mm, integrated metal bracelets, textured dials and Swiss made movements, there’s a lot of similarities between the PRX and the Nautilus. The biggest difference is the price. The Tissot PRX models powered by the automatic winding Powermatic 80 movement retail from £640 while the simpler quartz models are even more affordable, priced as low as £320. We have reviewed the Tissot PRX in more detail if you’re interested.
Citizen Tsuyosa
If you’re not bothered about a “Swiss made” label, then Japanese watchmaker Citizen offers a stunning range of integrated sports watches in their Citizen Tsuyosa collection. With brushed stainless steel, barrel-shaped cases measuring to 40mm wide, sapphire crystal glass, full metal bracelets and automatic winding movements, it’s difficult to believe these watches retail for only £299. If you liked the look of the famous Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany watch, the very same that sold for $6.5 million at auction, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a Citizen Tsuyosa with a similar light turquoise dial under model number NJ0151-53M.
Formex Essence
Formex Essence 43. Credit: WatchGecko.
We’ve covered some of the biggest watch names so far but there are also some incredible independent watchmakers that deserve just as much hype as the Patek Philippe Nautilus. One of them is Swiss watchmaker Formex and their Essence collection. Available in 42mm and 39mm, the Formex Essence has an impressive value proposition. For just £1,435, it arrives with an automatic winding, chronometer-certified movement, a 100-metre water resistant rating, sapphire crystal glass, and although not a true integrated bracelet, the three-row link metal strap connects with the steel case seamlessly for a similar aesthetic.
Nivada Grenchen F77
Nivada Grenchen F77. Credit: Nivada Grenchen.
Last but certainly not least, our final affordable alternative to the Patek Philippe Nautilus is the Nivada Grenchen F77. This is another independent Swiss watch manufacturer with a talent for creating affordable, high-quality timepieces and the F77 model is one of their best. It takes clear inspiration from 1970’s sports watches, offering a 37mm wide stainless steel case with a screw-decorated octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. It has a unique ‘carbon effect’ basket weave dial with silvered hardware and the choice of a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. Inside is the Swiss made SOPROD P024 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. The Nivada Grenchen F77 retails for just £1,215.
