Introduction
Debuting in 1997, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut was released to engage with a new kind of clientele - a younger, sportier, and trendier watch collector that was newly minted on the back of the “dot com” stock market explosion. Released under the same premise as the Nautilus when it was released in 1976 – a trendy watch for a new clientele, the Aquanaut raised suspicions from Patek’s traditional collectors with its position as the first Patek to feature a rubber strap – something collectors saw as a cheap design option at the time. With the Aquanaut’s black rectangle-filled rubber strap and matching supposed-grenade-inspired dial, the Aquanaut is a smart and trendy option for the collector who wants their timepiece to fly under the radar while still packing a hefty punch of horological history and an iconic design that has since become one of Patek Philippe’s most emblematic offerings. Launched in 1998, just one year after the model’s initial debut, the ref. 5065A introduced two significant changes to the collection over its predecessor, the ref. 5060. These two changes were a 2mm larger case – now weighing in at 38mm, and a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. With its larger display providing a better balance between case and dial and its new sapphire caseback providing a very real view of the stunning movement that powered the ref. 5065, the Aquanaut continued to grow as one of Patek’s best value propositions. Today, it exists as one of their most sought-after models, and the ref. 5065 was instrumental in kickstarting its popularity.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers, Service Receipt
Est. value range
$25,000 – $35,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
38mm
Model
Aquanaut
Movement
Automatic cal. 315 SC
Reference
5065A-001
Bracelet
Black rubber strap
Year
1999
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, papers, booklets and 2022 Patek Philippe service invoice
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
The supposed grenade-inspired dial has incredible depth with its engraved crosshatch pattern. Furthermore, the ref. 5065 boasts beautifully aged tritium indexes with a pleasing creamy yellow color that encircle applied 18kt white gold Arabic indexes, which reflect the aesthetic of its 18kt white gold hands.
THE MOVEMENT
The 5065A-001 was the first Aquanaut to showcase the improved caliber 315 S C movement. Earlier versions of the model however, had the caliber 330 SC. The 330 caliber was slightly thicker than the subsequent 315, which made for a more recessed positioning of the date wheel on the front side of the movement.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case exhibits minor signs of wear, including some small marks on the polished surface of the watch, as well as a few marks on the brushed surface of the bezel. Original tritium dial and hands in near-mint condition, with a nice creamy toned patina. Watch comes with a newer condition rubbers trap currently fitted on the watch and a shorter used one on the side. The deployant buckle shows scratches and wear as seen in the images.
Our Perspective
Initially somewhat snubbed, the Aquanaut has now ascended to the pantheon of collectible and coveted sport watches of the modern era. This exact reference Aquanaut was the first Patek Philippe I'd ever bought, for the princely sum of $6,000 in 2000. I sure wish I'd kept it...
Eric Ku
Co-founder
