Watch Paparazzi

Entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Kevin O'Leary — entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, and self-styled 'Mr. Wonderful' — has been spotted wearing one of the most coveted discontinued references in contemporary horology: the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 in stainless steel with the iconic blue dial. O'Leary apparently once referred to it as the '7511,' which tells you everything you need to know about how he acquired it — not as a watch obsessive, but as a man who simply buys quality. That accidental approach may have netted him a six-figure paper gain.

The Nautilus 5711/1A-010 is powered by Patek Philippe's Caliber 324 S C, a self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve, beating at 28,800 vph. The 40mm stainless steel case features the Nautilus's signature porthole-inspired bezel with horizontal embossed blue dial — a detail that Gérald Genta sketched on a napkin in 1976. The 5711 generation, introduced in 2006, modernized the original ref. 3700 while preserving its architectural soul. It wears slim at 8.3mm, integrates a brushed and polished bracelet with fold-over clasp, and offers a date function at 3 o'clock.

Patek Philippe officially discontinued the 5711 in January 2021, announcing its replacement with the olive-green dialed 5726A as a parting gesture. That discontinuation triggered one of the most dramatic secondary market surges in recent watch history. A reference that retailed at approximately $29,900 USD now reliably trades at $180,000 to $220,000 on the grey market — a multiplier that would satisfy even the most demanding Shark Tank investor. Collector demand for the blue dial 5711/1A-010 specifically remains ferocious, driven by its clean aesthetics and the reference's now-closed chapter status.

O'Leary's collection spans several high-end brands, and his taste leans toward watches with strong brand equity and recognizability — the Nautilus fits that profile perfectly. Whether or not he knew it by the right reference number when he bought it is irrelevant; the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 has appreciated faster than most venture investments O'Leary has championed on television.

For buyers still hunting the blue-dial 5711/1A-010, expect to pay well over $200,000 at reputable grey-market dealers, with no signs of meaningful price correction on the horizon. Official retail channels are effectively closed. This is one watch where Mr. Wonderful's instincts, however inadvertent, proved entirely correct.