The Aquanaut line was first introduced by Patek Philippe in 1997 with the reference 5060A, marking the debut of the brand’s first luxury sports watch to feature a rubber strap. It was conceived as a contemporary sports watch intended to broaden the brand’s appeal beyond the traditional clientele. While it shares certain visual cues with the Nautilus, such as the rounded octagonal bezel, it had a different design, as a more modern, versatile alternative at a time when Nautilus sales were underperforming. With its integrated rubber strap and youthful aesthetic, the 5065 marked a strategic evolution in Patek Philippe’s sport watch offering, aimed at a new generation of collectors while maintaining the brand’s standards of mechanical excellence and refined execution. The 5060A had a smaller 36mm case and a solid caseback, emphasizing a more compact and discreet profile. It was launched as a limited edition and served as a transitional model bridging classical elegance and sport functionality.

In contrast, the Reference 5065, introduced shortly after in 1998, had a larger 38mm case and an exhibition sapphire caseback, offering a more modern presence on the wrist. This shift responded to the growing demand for larger case sizes and movement visibility. While both models share the signature rounded octagonal bezel and embossed dial, the 5065 represents the first full-production Aquanaut and the definitive establishment of the model as a standalone line within Patek Philippe’s catalogue. Reference 5065, referred to as the “Jumbo” Aquanaut due to its larger 38mm case was produced from 1998 until 2006, marking an eight-year production run and it is considered to have been produced in relatively modest quantities, contributing to its desirability among collectors. The stainless steel case measures 38mm in diameter, excluding the crown, and is complemented by a sapphire crystal case back that allows for viewing of the movement. The case design includes a screw-down crown, contributing to its water resistance. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, which is in pristine condition.

The case is in an overall excellent condition, it retains most of its original finish and it shows only very light traces of use The original black dial shows an embossed pattern, providing a textured backdrop for the applied Arabic numerals and luminous hands. A date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock. The dial’s has no significant signs of patina or discoloration. Powering the Aquanaut 5065 is Patek Philippe’s Caliber 315 SC, a self-winding movement respected for its reliability and precision. The movement has a 21-karat gold central rotor and the Gyromax balance wheel, reflecting Patek Philippe’s technical advancements. The watch is accompanied by its original composite rubber strap, secured with its original stainless steel folding clasp. Both the strap and clasp are in excellent condition, with an overall length of over 20cm. This Aquanaut 5065 has been serviced in-house and is in good working order. It is delivered with a six-month guarantee and an originality certificate, as well as with its original box and extract from the archives, confirming its originality and sale date as December 1998. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a timepiece that embodies Patek Philippe’s approach to luxury sports watches, the Aquanaut 5065 offers a blend of historical significance and functional design. Worldwide shipping is available, and inquiries are welcome for further information or to arrange a viewing.