The Aquanaut was released in 1997, as the first Patek Philippe to be fitted with a rubber 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. 5065A, was launched shortly after the initial limited references, featuring an updated 315 SC calibre and an increased 38mm case diameter (up from 36mm). The ref. 5065A ‘Jumbo’ also uses a sapphire display case-back, replacing the solid steel, seen in earlier versions.
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 matches the texture on the rubber strap, and is embossed with silver applied numerals. The luminous material is tritium, and has aged to a beautiful creamy tone.
The movement inside the reference 5065A is the self-winding calibre 315 SC, first used in 1984. It features 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, shock absorber mechanisml 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 5065A Aquanaut comes with its original box, and is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: |
Patek Philippe |
| Model: |
Aquanaut Ref. 5065A-001 |
| Movement: |
mechanical, automatic-winding calibre 315 SC
|
| Functions: |
date, hours, minutes, centre seconds |
| Features: |
display back, tritium index markers, unrestored dial, Arabic numerals |
| Case: |
38mm stainless steel |
| Crystal: |
sapphire front and display back |
| Bracelet: |
Patek Philippe rubber strap and deployant clasp |
| Year: |
sold on 30th March, 1999 |
| Box & papers: |
original box and extracts from the archive |
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5065A 'Jumbo' comes with its original box and accompanying Extract from the Archives. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, and a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
