The Aquanaut was released in 1997, as the first Patek Philippe to be fitted with a rubber strap. Initially limited to approximately 1,000 pieces (as the ref. 5060A and 5060J), the model was introduced shortly after the brand’s first highly-successful sports watch, the Nautilus, celebrated its 20th anniversary.
This ref. 5060A, is one such first series example. As the first Aquanaut reference, it’s also a historically significant piece, and features small, distinctive details only found on the earliest versions. The 5060A offered here has an early 330 SC calibre, concealed by its solid closed caseback. The date window at 3 o’clock also features stylised cursive font, which was later changed for a bolder typeface on the “Jumbo” ref. 5065. Additionally, the deployant clasp bears the “Nautilus” signature, understood to mark the transition between the two sports models.
The Aquanaut re-interprets a number of signature design elements from the Nautilus - most notably, the octagonal rounded bezel. It displays a high level of finishing, with brushed surfaces on the case front, and polished, bevelled edges. The steel, three-piece case provides water resistance up to 120m, further featuring a screw-down crown.
The black checkerboard dial has tritium-filled index markers and is embossed with silver applied numerals, and matches the texture on the rubber strap. The luminous material is tritium, and has aged to a subtle creamy tone.
The movement inside the reference 5060A is the self-winding calibre 330 SC. It features 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, shock absorber mechanism, a self-compensating flat balance spring and a monometallic balance, adjusted to cold, heat, isochronism and 5 positions. Furthermore, the solid-gold rotor is finished in classic Patek Philippe style, with circular Geneva stripes.
This Patek Philippe 5060A Aquanaut comes with its original box, Certificate of Origin and product literature.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: |
Patek Philippe |
| Model: |
Aquanaut Ref. 5060A-001
|
| Movement: |
mechanical, automatic-winding calibre 330 SC
|
| Functions: |
date, hours, minutes, centre seconds |
| Features: |
closed case-back, tritium index markers, Arabic numerals, original Nautilus-signed clasp, original cursive date-disc |
| Case: |
36.5mm stainless steel |
| Crystal: |
sapphire front and display back |
| Bracelet: |
black rubber strap |
| Year: |
18th May 1998 (sale) |
| Box & papers: |
original box (inner and outer), Certificate of Origin, product materials |
This first series, Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5060A-001 comes with its original box (inner and outer) and Certificate of Origin, stamped by the original retailer and dated 18th May, 1998. The case is exceptionally well preserved and appears unpolished. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, and a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
