Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Marcus Rashford spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United and England forward, was recently spotted wearing one of the most coveted stainless steel sports watches ever produced: the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 5711/1A-011, fitted with the brand's celebrated white sunburst dial. In an era when footballers frequently gravitate toward diamond-set or overtly flashy timepieces, Rashford's choice of a clean, steel-bracelet Nautilus stands out as a notably restrained and informed one.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A was introduced in 2006 as a modern evolution of Gerald Genta's original 1976 Nautilus design, itself one of the defining moments in luxury sports watch history. The 5711 houses Calibre 324 S C, a self-winding movement beating at 28,800 vph with a 45-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire caseback. The 40mm stainless steel case retains Genta's signature porthole-style bezel with horizontal embossed dial, water resistance to 120 metres, and the integrated bracelet that made the original so architecturally compelling. The -011 suffix designates the white dial variant — a subtler, arguably more sophisticated option than the iconic blue, and one that became its own object of desire among collectors.

The entire Nautilus 5711 line in stainless steel was officially discontinued by Patek Philippe in January 2021, a move that sent secondary market prices into the stratosphere almost overnight. What had already been a difficult watch to acquire through authorised dealers became, in practical terms, unobtainable at retail. The 5711/1A-011 white dial has proven particularly sought after, appreciated by collectors who view it as the quieter, more refined expression of the reference.

Rashford has demonstrated consistent interest in serious watchmaking, and the Nautilus 5711/1A-011 is the kind of piece that rewards that engagement — it is not simply expensive, it is historically significant and technically accomplished. For a 26-year-old at the peak of his career, wearing a watch that genuine collectors actively pursue places him firmly in knowledgeable company.

At an official UK list price of £23,440 prior to discontinuation, the 5711/1A-011 was already aspirational. On today's grey market, examples trade at a substantial premium, with clean, full-set specimens routinely achieving five to six times the original retail figure. Demand shows no sign of softening.