Answer first
A fake Patek Philippe Nautilus 6790 is a replica watch sold under a reference number that does not appear in Patek Philippe's published Nautilus lineup. The Nautilus references the brand documents are 5711/1A, 5712/1A, 5726/1A, 5740/1G and 5990/1A. A 6790 listing shows a gem-set Nautilus style watch. Treat the number as a seller label, not a factory reference.
Quality spans a wide range. Price runs from about $80 to more than $1,000. The movement, the case metal and the stones drive the gap.
What the listings show
Photos in these listings show a Nautilus case with a diamond bezel and a diamond bracelet. Case width sits at 40 mm to 41 mm. Thickness runs 9 mm to 11 mm on most replicas, against 8.3 mm on a real 5711. The extra depth comes from the replica movement and the case build.
Movements used
- Miyota 9015: 28,800 vph, about 42 hours of reserve, date function. Found in the $250 to $450 tier.
- Clone of the Patek 324 S C: shaped bridges, decorated rotor, higher price.
- Quartz: found in the cheapest builds. The seconds hand ticks.
Ask for a photo of the movement with the caseback off. A sweeping seconds hand and a clean date window cut matter more than rotor engraving.
Gold, plating and weight
Real Nautilus cases in this style come in rose gold or white gold. Replicas use 316L steel with PVD plating, or brass on low tiers. Plating wears at the crown, the clasp and the bracelet edges. Weight is the fastest test. Solid gold weighs more than plated steel at the same size. Ask the seller for a scale photo.
Stone setting
Bezel stones on replicas are cubic zirconia, moissanite or lab-grown diamonds. CZ goes cloudy with wear. Moissanite passes a basic diamond tester, so a tester alone proves nothing. Ask for the stone type in writing and the carat count per stone.
Price tiers
- $80 to $150: quartz, brass case, glued stones.
- $250 to $450: Miyota 9015, 316L case, prong-set CZ.
- $500 to $900: clone movement, better brushing, sapphire with a close anti-reflective tint.
- $1,000 and up: moissanite or lab diamonds, hand-finished bracelet.
Checks before payment
- Caseback engraving depth and font.
- Bracelet screw heads and thread fit.
- Clasp stamp and spring bar tension.
- Water resistance claim. Most replicas rate 3 ATM. Do not swim with one.
- Return window and a payment method with chargeback cover.
Legal note
In the United States, trafficking in counterfeit goods violates 18 U.S.C. 2320. US Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at import. A replica carries no Patek Philippe warranty and cannot be serviced by the brand.