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Patek Philippe Aquanaut

5060A-001

£42,500

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Now available, the very first Patek Philippe Aquanaut, the reference 5060A-001.

Introduced in 1997, the 5060A marked a hugely important moment for Patek Philippe - the birth of the Aquanaut line. Designed as a more contemporary, sport-driven counterpart to the Nautilus, it brought with it a younger, more casual identity, while still retaining all of the hallmarks of traditional Patek Philippe watchmaking. Produced for an exceptionally short period - believed to be limited to just 1997 - and rumoured at around 1,000 pieces across both steel and yellow gold, the 5060A remains one of the rarest and most significant modern Patek Philippe references.

Early details are what truly set these pieces apart. The old-style font within the date aperture, the closed case back, and perhaps most interestingly, the “Nautilus”-signed clasp - a subtle nod to the Aquanaut’s original positioning within the Nautilus family before becoming its own standalone collection. The embossed “grenade” dial and matching “tropical” rubber strap were entirely new for Patek Philippe at the time, further reinforcing the model’s shift toward a more relaxed, modern aesthetic. While shown here on its original black strap, it’s worth noting that the Aquanaut can be paired with a wide array of colours - with up to 18 options available directly from Patek Philippe.

This particular example is best described as a true time capsule. The case remains in exceptional overall condition, while the tritium dial and hands have aged minimally, retaining a light, even tone - a clear indication of how little the watch has been worn. Even more impressively, it comes complete with its full set of original accessories, including its Certificate of Origin, Aquanaut instruction manual, and even its original box.

A hugely important reference in the evolution of modern Patek Philippe - and without question one of the most collectible Aquanauts ever produced. The watch is available for viewing in London and purchase worldwide. Please get in touch for further information.