Patek Philippe · 40 listed

Patek Philippe Aquanaut for sale in NYC

Find the Patek Philippe Aquanaut in steel, rose gold and white gold, including the 40mm 5167A, the 42.2mm 5168G, the 5164A Travel Time, the 5968A chronograph and the ladies Aquanaut Luce, new and pre-owned.

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The younger sibling of the Nautilus

Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut in 1997 as a more casual sports watch for a younger buyer. The case shares the rounded octagon of the Nautilus, but the dial carries a raised checkerboard pattern and large Arabic numerals. The first reference, the 5060A, came on a composite tropical strap, a new idea for Patek at the time. Steel models on that strap are still the heart of the collection, and the design has changed very little in almost thirty years.

Sizes and key references

The 5167A is the reference most people mean by Aquanaut: 40mm, steel, black dial and black strap, with time and date. The 5167R is the same watch in rose gold, often on a brown strap. The 5168G is the 42.2mm white gold model, sometimes called the Jumbo, with blue and khaki green dial versions. The 5164A Travel Time shows home and local time, adjusted with pushers on the left side of the case. The 5968A is the flyback chronograph in 42.2mm steel, with orange accents on the hands and strap. The Aquanaut Luce line covers ladies models in 35.6mm and 38.8mm, often with diamond bezels set by Patek.

What to check before you buy

Look first at the strap. The tropical composite is durable but it does wear, and a replacement strap and clasp should come from Patek to keep the watch correct. Check that the fold-over clasp locks firmly. On steel models, compare the movement to the production year: later 5167A watches moved from the calibre 324 S C to the 26-330 S C, which stops the seconds hand when you set the time. Examine the brushed bezel for heavy polishing, which rounds the edges. Confirm that the serial numbers match the certificate. Steel Aquanauts are often given aftermarket diamond bezels; custom pieces on our site are marked as custom.

See the Aquanaut in person

Every watch is listed with its price. Call or text to book a viewing by appointment in the Diamond District in Midtown Manhattan and compare the 40mm and 42.2mm cases on your own wrist.

Questions

Patek Philippe Aquanaut questions

What is the difference between the Aquanaut and the Nautilus?

Both share a rounded octagonal case, but the Aquanaut is more casual. It has a checkerboard dial with Arabic numerals, usually comes on a composite rubber strap, and wears lighter. The Nautilus has a horizontally embossed dial and an integrated metal bracelet in most versions. The Aquanaut also tends to be priced below a comparable Nautilus, which makes it a common first Patek sports watch.

Which Aquanaut size should I choose?

The 40mm 5167A fits most wrists and is the classic choice. If you want more presence, the 42.2mm 5168G and the 5968A chronograph wear noticeably larger. Smaller wrists often do well with the 38.8mm Aquanaut Luce. Because the case is flat and the strap hugs the wrist, the Aquanaut sits low, so trying both sizes in person is the fastest way to decide.

Does the Aquanaut come on a bracelet?

Most Aquanauts ship on the composite tropical strap, but Patek has offered steel bracelets on some steel references, including the 5167/1A. A bracelet adds weight and moves the look from casual to dressier. If you prefer the strap, check its condition and ask whether a spare comes with the watch, since original straps and clasps come only through Patek.

Is a steel Aquanaut hard to get at retail?

Yes. Steel Aquanauts are allocated in small numbers and usually go to clients with a buying history at a retailer. Waiting periods can be long and are rarely predictable. On the secondary market you can choose the exact reference, dial color and condition, see the listed price, and view the watch in person before you decide.

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