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.
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 Aquanaut Reference 5066A will be subject to 20% VAT.
Closer look
| Brand: |
Patek Philippe |
| Model: |
Aquanaut reference 5066A |
| Movement: |
Automatic calibre 330 SC |
| Functions: |
Date, hours, minutes, seconds |
| Case material: |
Stainless Steel |
| Case diameter: |
36mm |
| Crystal: |
Sapphire front and back |
| Strap: |
Black Patek Phillipe tropical rubber strap, stainless steel deployant clasp, uncut navy-blue tropical rubber Patek Philippe strap |
| Lug width: |
19x16mm |
| Year: |
Circa 1998 |
| Box & papers: |
Outer box, inner box, Certificate of Origin (undated), Patek Phillipe red leather booklet, manuals |
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5066 is in very good overall condition. Superficial marks can be found on the case and polished facet of the bezel, consistent with relative wear and age of the watch. The lumed hour markers have aged to an attractive warm yellow hue.
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
