Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph has expanded its Aquanaut collection with seven new references, including two 60-minute flyback chronographs in white gold.
The 42mm Ref. 5968 first joined the Aquanaut collection in 2018 as a stainless steel watch with bright orange highlights set against a black gradient dial. The new models, Ref. 5968G/001 and 010, are the first expansion of the model since then and also the first pieces to feature precious metal cases.
Patek has selected two distinct colorways reflecting those already used by the time-only Ref. 5168G models, the first is a blue/black gradient dial with blue rubber strap and the second a matte khaki green dial and matching rubber strap. Both dials feature the stamped Aquanaut grid pattern with gold hands and applied Arabic numeral hour markers.
Both watches use Patek’s 4Hz CH 28-520 C automatic flyback chronograph movement with a central chronograph seconds hand and a 60-minute chronograph sub dial at the six o’clock position. Patek also introduced a new name, Aquanaut Luce, with five feminine, diamond-set 38.8mm models including a quartz-powered, rose gold Travel Time, a rose gold automatic time-only and three steel quartz time-only models in black, white and khaki green.
Patek continues to push forward in making watches for younger buyers, and now we have an Aquanaut with not only travel time and time/date, but also one with a self-winding chronograph. It’s complete with orange accents and an orange rubber strap, making it one of the most casual Pateks to be seen in some time. The caliber is the same as used in the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968 Nautilus, so you have a central seconds with 60 minute counter at six o’clock. Pricing is set at just under CHF 40,000 for this steel watch.
Patek has seen absolutely enormous growth in demand for the Aquanaut since the Nautilus has become certified unobtanium, and this new 5968A will surely find waiting and willing buyers. Also, the fact that this watch comes with two colored straps might mean that Patek hopes this watch will find a home with the fashion set – I’m curious if other colors will become available to purchase as well. Again, nothing revolutionary here from a watchmaking or design perspective, but this will surely offer those looking for a high-end, casual chronograph another options besides the Royal Oaks and Nautiluses of the world.
The utilitarian chronograph complication goes hand-in-hand with the sports watch. As such, it is perhaps not so much a surprise than it is an expectation that Patek Philippe’s sportiest line should receive a chronograph model sooner rather than later. First introduced in 1997, the Aquanaut was marketed as the sportier, hipper, less expensive version of the cult favourite Nautilus. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968 This year, the illustrious Genevan manufacturer has finally released its first chronograph Aquanaut. Here, we bring you the details and our thoughts on the new Patek Philippe Ref. 5968A.
