Footballer Karim Benzema spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Karim Benzema, the Ballon d'Or-winning striker and former Real Madrid talisman, surfaced on social media recently with a timepiece that quietly outclasses most of what gets worn on celebrity wrists: a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712G-001 in 18k white gold. It is the kind of watch that rewards those who look closely, and Benzema clearly knows exactly what he has on his wrist.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712G was introduced in 2006 to mark the 30th anniversary of the original Nautilus, itself one of the most consequential watch designs of the 20th century. Where the entry-level 5711 keeps things clean with a three-hand date display, the 5712 layers on genuine horological substance. The 18k white gold case measures 40mm across and houses Caliber 240 PS IRM C LU — a self-winding movement built on Patek's celebrated ultra-thin 240 base, fitted with a peripheral 22k gold micro-rotor. The dial on the 5712G-001 presents a slate grey surface with horizontal embossing, carrying hours, minutes, a subsidiary seconds dial, date, moonphase display accurate to one day's drift every 122 years, and a linear power reserve indicator. The movement delivers a 48-hour power reserve and beats at 3.98 Hz.

Among collectors, the Nautilus 5712G occupies a specific niche: it is considered the "complications" Nautilus, offering meaningful mechanical content without the case size ballooning. The white gold version carries a more refined, evening-appropriate presence compared to the stainless steel 5712/1A, and has historically attracted less speculative pressure than steel references, making it more accessible on the secondary market while retaining strong long-term value.

Benzema has long demonstrated a preference for serious Swiss watchmaking over flashy pieces. The 5712G-001 fits that profile precisely — it is not the loudest Patek in the catalogue, but it is arguably the most intellectually complete Nautilus reference available.

Retailing at $43,400, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712G-001 currently trades on the grey market at approximately $55,000, reflecting a healthy but measured premium over list — a sign of sustained collector demand without the mania that surrounds the steel 5711.