The Aquanaut marked the beginning of a new generation of luxury sports watches for Patek Philippe, inspired by the unmistakeable lines of the Nautilus. In 1997, the manufacture introduced the ref. 5060, which was followed a few years later by the ref. 5066, which added an open caseback to the original design.
A descendant of the Nautilus, which was penned by Gérald Genta, Patek Philippe decided to produce their own take on the luxury steel sports watch, designed entirely in-house. In 1997, they delivered the 5060A, which is widely considered to be the first Aquanaut to have been introduced. This reference 5066 is perhaps the most faithful iteration of the original Aquanaut design from 1997, while also offering the appeal of an open caseback.
While the Nautilus did demonstrate that Patek Philippe could break away from the classic lines and metals that the brand is most usually associated with, the Aquanaut takes it a step further by combining two unusual materials: a stainless-steel case and a rubber strap. Furthermore, the instantly-recognisable checkerboard dial, with a texture reminiscent of a hand grenade, is another fundamental aspect of the dial that stands apart from the manufacturer’s more traditional designs.
An interesting feature of this example is the tritium lume used on the hour markers, which has developed a warm patina over time. Patek Philippe used tritium between approximately 1998 and 2004, before transitioning to superluminova for their later pieces, between 2004 and 2006. A beautifully preserved example that is exceedingly wearable and casual yet with a hint of luxury about it, the piece is a true representative of the neo-vintage movement.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5066A will be subject to 20% VAT.
Closer look
| Brand: |
Patek Philippe |
| Model: |
Aquanaut reference. 5066A |
| Movement: |
Calibre 330 SC |
| Functions: |
Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Case: |
Stainless-steel |
| Case diameter: |
36mm |
| Crystal: |
Sapphire
|
| Strap: |
Black rubber strap, stainless steel buckle |
| Lug width: |
19mm |
| Year: |
1998 |
| Box & papers: |
Outer box, inner box, leather folio, manuals, retailer paperwork, Certificate of Origin |
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5066 is in very good condition overall, with a few superficial marks throughout consistent with minimal wear. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
