Patek Philippe Aquanaut, 1999

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

The Aquanaut may be one of the most important modern luxury sport watches on the market. The Reference 5060J, launched in 1996 for the 20th anniversary of the Nautilus, was a kind of transitional watch. The case borrowed features from the Nautilus but did away with the case “ears” and adding visible lugs, this short-run yellow gold model provided the basis for the Reference 5060A - the first steel model - in 1997, which was also the first time the Aquanaut name was used. This model would go on to form the basis of a full collection of luxury sports watches that provide the entry point into the Patek Philippe catalog to this day. This early example, a Reference 5065A-1A, dates to 1999 and features a 38mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, an anthracite textured hobnail dial with tritium indices and handset that have patinated beautifully to a light creamy 'pumpki'n hue. Powered by Patek's Calibre 315 SC automatic movement with date function at 3 o’clock, it comes outfitted with its uncommonly-seen rare multi-link stainless steel bracelet with a signed hidden deployant clasp. It will also include a genuine Patek Philippe rubber strap with steel deployant buckle (not pictured), if you've gotta wear it the way they are most commonly seen! This piece remains in excellent condition throughout and offers a svelte alternative to its younger, larger siblings from subsequent iterations. If you’ve been on the hunt for a luxury sports watch that offers brand pedigree, a design that will surely last for generations, a smidge of patina and you have an affinity for steel bracelets, then look no further. You've found the perfect neo-vintage Aquanaut!