In 1997 Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut, this marked the first time the brand would sell a watch fitted on a rubber strap. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut blends in a few design cues from the Patek Nautilus collection, it is believed that the new collection was essentially created to lure in an entirely new generation of collectors. The very first Aquanaut’s measured just 36mm in diameter and was limited to 1000 pieces in both ref. 5060A and ref. 5060J.

Despite its similarities to the Nautilus the Aquanaut definitely possesses distinctive features such as the case, dial, and strap. The satin-brushed finished case with alternating highly polished as well as beveled edges was rather unique, the construction of the three-piece case is entirely different from its predecessor or sibling, the Nautilus. The screw-down crown also allows for water resistance for up to 120 meters. The dial can be compared to Swiss Chocolate bars the interplay with the strap texture was rather unique and is still present to date.

The 5066A

This example, ref. 5066A, was launched shortly after the introduction of the first series reference 5060A and 5060J. The 5066A displayed signs of production maturity, for instance, the use of a sapphire case back replaced the solid gold case backs found on the earlier references. The 5066A is said to have produced from 1998 – 2006, from 2004 onwards Patek Philippe phased out tritium in favor of superluminova. According to the extract of the archives, this example was sold on the 8th of October 1998, representing one of the earliest known examples. 

The tritium-filled indexes have aged well, in addition, the black lacquered dial appears to be in fine condition, showing little to no signs of age.

The movement

The 5066A is equipped with a caliber 330 SC a self-winding movement, it features 29 jewels, a straight-line level escapement and is just adjusted to five positions. The overall finishing of the movement is of a high standard displaying the classic circular Geneva stripes. Most importantly, the movement number 3.025.8XX corresponds with case number 4.048.7XX as confirmed by the extract of archives. 

The Set

This Patek Philippe 5066A is accompanied by its extract, which confirms its sale in 1998. 

Brand: Patek Philippe

Model: 5066A

Movement: 330 SC, self-winding movement

Case Diameter: 36mm / Stainless Steel

Year: 1998 (sold)

Box and Papers: Watch & Extract 

The tritium-filled indexes have aged well, in addition, the black lacquered dial appears to be in fine condition, showing little to no signs of age.