- Model: Patel Philippe 5065A
- Year: 2001
- Material: steel
- Size: 38 mm diameter
- Movement: 315 SC calibre, 29 jewels
The Aquanaut was released in 1997 and was the first Patek to be fitted with a rubber strap. Initially limited to just 1,000 pieces (as the ref. 5060A in stainless steel and 5060J in yellow gold), the model was introduced shortly after the brand’s first highly-successful sports watch, the Nautilus, celebrated its 20th anniversary.
This example, the ref. 5065A, was launched shortly after the initial limited references, featuring an updated 315 SC calibre and an increased 38mm case diameter. As its name would suggest, the Aquanaut, was aimed at the water sports market a fact further highlighted by the fact that it was predominantly offered on a rubber strap. It was produced from 1997 to end of 2006
The original 5065 is, in our opinion, the best Aquanaut due to key design elements in the early execution and its appeal on the wrist. The size is perfect, wearing perfectly at 38mm unlike the much bigger recent versions. The weight makes it ultra comfortable and the sapphire crystal caseback lets you see that automatic calibre 315 SC in all its glory. It features 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, shock absorber mechanism, a self-compensating flat balance spring and a monometallic balance, adjusted to cold, heat, isochronism and 5 positions. Furthermore, the solid-gold rotor is finished in classic Patek Philippe style, with circular Geneva stripes.
