Aquanaut | 5066A-001 | Stainless Steel
Aquanaut | 5066A-001 | Stainless Steel
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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 manufacturer introduced the reference 5060, which was followed a few years later by the reference 5066, which added an open caseback to the original design. This Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5066* is a beautifully preserved example.
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.
Closer look
| Brand: | Patek Philippe |
| Model: | Aquanaut ref. 5066A-001 |
| Movement: | automatic calibre 330 SC |
| Functions: | date, hours, minutes, central seconds |
| Features: | display back, tritium index markers, checkerboard dial |
| Case material: | stainless steel |
| Case diameter: | 36mm |
| Crystal: | sapphire front & back |
| Strap: | Patek Philippe new uncut black rubber strap, Patek Philippe cut black rubber strap, Patek Philippe steel deployant clasp |
| Lug width: | - |
| Year: | c. 2000's |
| Accompanying materials: | Patek Philippe outer box and inner leather box, Certificate of Origin (stamped & undated), movement manual, advertising/branding material |
Condition
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5066* is in exceptional condition throughout. The case and lugs show little to no signs of wear and remains virtually unworn by the original owner. The dial, case, and movement are free from any signs of imperfection.
Warranty
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
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