Patek PhilippeAquanaut

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut is the second sports watch from the world’s most prestigious watch brand. It takes its design cues from its legendary brother, the Nautilus, taking the octagonal, porthole-inspired shape dreamed up by Gerald Genta and slightly softening it. Its release was thought to be in response to the .com boom of the late 1990s, where Patek aimed specifically at a younger market. Unsurprisingly, they chose the much-loved Nautilus, which had been such a hit back in the 1970s, as inspiration for the model.

Like the Nautilus, the Aquanaut featured a rounded octagonal case, vertically satin-finished flats and chamfered and polished edges. Unlike the Nautilus, however, it adopted a simpler, three-part design that eliminated the need for left- and right-hand hinges, while continuing to ensure water resistance to depths of 120 metres.

Another defining feature of the Aquanaut is its rubber strap, a first for Patek Philippe. Impervious to saltwater, UV deterioration and bacteria, it comprised more than 20 materials and was even tested by the US Food and Drug Administration. Given its suitability for water sports, the strap was named the ‘Tropical’. In a bid to mimic the integrated bracelet of the Nautilus, the strap mirrored the pattern on the dial of the Aquanaut to create a sense of continuity – a subtle design element that can still be found in the collection today.

The piece features a Swiss-made quartz movement; embossed black dial with Arabic numeral hour markers; date display at 3 o'clock; center seconds hand; and 35mm, stainless steel case on a 'Tropical' black composite strap with a stainless steel deployant clasp. Case, dial and movement signed Patek Philippe. The 5064A-001 is water resistant to 120m.

The watch is presented in good condition with minor, visible marks to the bezel, case and clasp. The strap is in very good condition and box set and papers are excellent.

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