Patek Philippe Aquanaut Watches

About Patek Philippe Aquanaut

The Aquanaut collection is one of the newer additions to the Patek Philippe family of watches. The first Aquanaut debuted in 1997. The model represented the brand’s take on a more stripped down and sensible version of a sport watch. The guiding principle for the Aquanaut is less is more.

One of the most unique and interesting features of the Aquanaut isn’t in the watch itself. It’s in the strap. When the Aquanaut was first released, placing a polymer strap on such a high end luxury watch was still a bit of a risk. And for Patek Philippe, a brand traditionally known for its classic and refined aesthetic, it was particularly a bold move. However, the brand still wanted to opt for something more unique than a rubber strap. So, instead, they drew from the “tropic” straps that were popular for 1960’s dive watches. The result was their own variation, made of a high-tech composite that’s supple, comfortable, hypoallergenic, and, of course, sporty.

In addition to the distinctive strap, the Aquanaut’s overall minimalist design is part of its appeal. Unlike some of its sport watch counterparts, it boasts a truly no-frills design that makes it ideal for everyday wear. Over the years, Patek Philippe has modernized the model, offering larger, more contemporary size options as well as some additional complications.

One of the most notable variations of the Aquanaut was released in celebration of the model’s 20th anniversary in 2017. The Ref. 5168G showcases a slightly more refined design, fitting for a commemorative edition. Instead of the typical stainless steel, the Ref. 5168G features white gold, and instead of the classic black dial and strap, it features a deep blue color scheme. Still, even with the stylized upgrades, the anniversary edition is certainly no dress watch. The subtle updates still maintain the simple, understated, bare bones design that has come to define the Aquanaut collection.