Which is the best watch designed by Gérald Genta? Face-off between the iconic Royal Oak (Audemars Piguet) and Nautilus (Patek Philippe)

Emblematic symbols of Haute Horlogerie sports, the Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet And the Patek Philippe Nautilus have long fascinated enthusiasts, each embodying a unique approach to luxury and innovation. In this article, discover a detailed comparison of these two legends designed by Gerald Genta according to several essential criteria.

History: Royal Oak Advantage

The Royal Oak was born in 1972, in the midst of the quartz crisis, disrupting the carefully established codes of luxury watchmaking with a steel design, a screwed octagonal bezel and an integrated bracelet, branded Gérald Genta. His presentation at the Basel Fair was a shock, but laid the foundations for the concept of the sports watch and established Audemars Piguet as visionary and daring brand. Quatre years later, it's the turn of Patek Philippe to respond to this revolution with the Nautilus, also designed by Genta, adopting a case inspired by ship portholes and a more fluid, immediately identifiable design. If the Nautilus is today as sought-after as the Royal Oak, it is the Royal Oak which, through its historical audacity and its pioneering role, retains a clear advantage in the history of the luxury sports watch.

Durability and robustness: Royal Oak advantage

In terms of robustness, the Royal Oak is renowned for its solid case and elaborate bracelet, designed to withstand intensive use. While its alternation of polished and brushed surfaces gives it a unique elegance, some users note sensitivity to scratches on steel versionsThe Nautilus, renowned for its exceptional comfort and finesse, is perceived as slightly more delicate: its refined finishes, polished bezel and water resistance of 120 m (compared to 50 - 100 m according to the Royal Oak models) make it less suitable for very dynamic daily wear and increase the risk of visible marks. The Royal Oak Offshore, XXL and extremely robust version, completes this advantage, establishing Audemars Piguet as a benchmark in this aspect.

Performance and precision: Equal between the Royal Oak and the Nautilus

Both models benefit from very high quality automatic movements: Audemars Piguet favors the manual finishing and technical sophistication of its calibers maison, while Patek Philippe guarantees each piece with its own quality seal, a guarantee of precision and chronometric excellence. The actual accuracy of each model remains equivalent for references equipped with contemporary calibers, even if historical records belong to Patek Philippe in the field of tourbillon movements. The level of finish and reliability of the two productions reaches the highest standards of the Swiss industry: here we must pronounce a tie.

Availability: Royal Oak Advantage

Both the Royal Oak and the Nautilus are subject to long waiting times in stores and their production remains extremely limited. However, the Nautilus, in its legendary references like the 5711, consistently displays years of waiting and record rarity on the secondary market, while some Royal Oaks are slightly more accessible depending on the variations and materials. This extreme control of availability has propelled the Nautilus to the rank of cult object, making it almost inaccessible to the neophyte – a decisive asset for collectors wishing to own one of the most difficult pieces to acquire in the world.

Design and style: Royal Oak advantage

The Royal Oak remains theThe most instantly recognizable luxury sports watch, thanks to its octagonal case, screw-down bezel and perfectly geometric integrated bracelet. Strongly structured, it asserts a resolutely presence “statement” on the wrist and revolutionizes the codes with its sharp lines, its “Grande Tapisserie” in relief and its inimitable style. The Nautilus, ssuddenly softer and more discreet, shines with its natural elegance and versatility, making it easier to wear every day, even under a shirt. But The influence of the Royal Oak design on the entire sports-luxury industry, copied but never equaled, gives it a distinct advantage in terms of style and daring.

Notoriety and resale value: Nautilus Advantage

In terms of notoriety, Both models are at the top, worn by collectors, celebrities and enthusiasts around the world. However, the Nautilus benefits of an even more pronounced aura of exclusivity, accompanied by a recent explosion in its value on the secondary market : some models have seen their estimate multiplied by 5 in a few years, well above the already highly sought-after Royal Oaks. On the criteria of resale value and prestige of the rare object, the advantage therefore leans towards the Nautilus.

Verdict: Subjective winner based on priorities

It is difficult to separate these two monuments, asThey embody the pinnacle of sport-chic watchmaking. For the power of design, robustness and founding status, the Royal Oak convinces lovers of architectural and iconic watches. For notoriety, rarity and discretion, the Nautilus appeals to connoisseurs and investors. Ultimately, the choice depends on each person's profile and sensitivity: one embodies assertive luxury, the other rather confidential luxury.

Royal Oak vs Nautilus Comparison Criteria Summary