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. 5167, was launched at Baselworld in 2007, featuring an updated 324 SC calibre and 40 mm case diameter (up from 38mm). The 5167A also features a contoured “tropical” leather strap, which sits flush to the case, and revised dial design (like the ref. 5165), removing the applied ‘3’, seen in earlier versions.
Manufactured in 2016, this watch also has a rare double-signed dial by Tiffany & Co, the original retailer. Double-signed dials from Patek Philippe have a special appeal to collectors, given their exclusivity. Made available by a select group of retailers around the world, few are more coveted today than Tiffany & Co. - with others famously including Beyer Chronometrie in Zurich, and Gübelin in Lucerne. Examples like this reference 5167 with "Tiffany" on the dial are a testament to the deep bond shared by retailer and manufacturer.
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 has luminova-filled index markers and is embossed with silver applied numerals, matching the texture on the rubber strap. The original strap is uncut and fitted to the new style clasp, accompanying the 5167.
The movement inside the reference 5167A is the self-winding calibre 324 SC, introduced in the early 2000s, as a marked improvement on calibre 315. The calibre beats at 28,800 A/h for improved accuracy, with a larger solid-gold rotor for increased power-generation - finished in classic Patek Philippe style, with circular Geneva stripes. The power-reserve is 45 hours.
This Patek Philippe 5167A-001 Aquanaut is accompanied by its Certificate of Origin, which confirms its sale in September 2016 (sold by Tiffany & Co.). It comes with its original black rubber strap (uncut), as well as its inner and outer Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. boxes.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: |
Patek Philippe |
| Model: |
Aquanaut Ref. 5167A-001
|
| Movement: |
mechanical, automatic-winding calibre 324 SC
|
| Functions: |
date, hours, minutes, centre seconds |
| Features: |
Tiffany-signed dial |
| Case: |
40mm stainless steel |
| Crystal: |
sapphire front and display back |
| Bracelet: |
original black rubber strap (uncut) |
| Year: |
2016 |
| Box & papers: |
full-set; Tiffany outer box, Patek Philippe inner box, Tiffany-stamped Certificate of Origin, product literature |
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167A-001 come as a full set, with its Tiffany-stamped Certificate of Origin and Tiffany & Co. box. It comes with its original black rubber strap (uncut) and is unworn. It's guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.
