The Aquanaut was released in 1997, as the first Patek Philippe to be fitted with a rubber (or tropical as it was known) strap. Initially limited to just 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 example - the ref. 5066A with blue dial - was launched in 1998, shortly after the initial references, and produced exclusively for the Japanese market. It is believed that approximately 500 examples were made, with very few coming to market.
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 blue checkerboard dial contrasts beautifully with the polished, steel bracelet, and is embossed with silver, applied Arabic numerals. The luminous material is tritium, and has aged to a subtle creamy tone.
The movement inside the reference 5066A 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.
The watch comes with its Certificate of Origin, which dates to April 1999 (based on the PKSS code referenced at the bottom of it) and its original leather pouch. It is also accompanied by a Patek Philippe service receipt from November 1999 and a strap sizing manual. This Patek Philippe 5066A comes fitted with the brand's steel bracelet.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: |
Patek Philippe |
| Model: |
Aquanaut Ref. 5066A-010
|
| Movement: |
mechanical, automatic-winding calibre 330 SC
|
| Functions: |
date, hours, minutes, centre seconds |
| Features: |
display back, tritium index markers, blue dial, Arabic numerals |
| Case: |
36mm stainless steel |
| Crystal: |
sapphire front and display back |
| Bracelet&strap: |
Patek Philippe steel bracelet |
| Year: |
1999 |
| Box & papers: |
Certificate of Origin, leather pouch, service receipt, strap sizing manual |
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5066A blue dial comes with its Certificate of Origin in a brown Patek Philippe folio. It is also accompanied by a Patek Philippe service receipt from November 1999 and a strap sizing manual. This Aquanaut 5066A is in very good condition, with a few superficial marks consistent with light wear (mostly on the bracelet). The bracelet comes with 14 links, including 4 removable ones. It comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, and a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
