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, was launched shortly after the initial limited references, featuring the same 330 SC calibre and 36mm case diameter (as the first series). The ref. 5066A 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 blue checkerboard dial contrasts beautifully with the polished, steel bracelet, and is embossed with silver applied 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.
This
Patek Philippe 5066A 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. 5066A-001 |
| Movement: |
mechanical, automatic-winding calibre 330 SC
|
| Functions: |
date, hours, minutes, centre seconds |
| Features: |
display back, tritium index markers, Arabic numerals |
| Case: |
36mm stainless steel |
| Crystal: |
sapphire front and display back |
| Bracelet: |
Patek Philippe rubber strap, original deployant clasp |
| Year: |
purchased 9th January, 1999 - produced August 1998 |
| Box & papers: |
original box, Certificate of Origin, product literature |
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5066A comes with its original box and Certificate of Origin. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, and a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
