The Aquanaut was released in 1997, as the first to be fitted with a rubber strap. Initially limited to just 1,000 pieces (as the ref. 5060A and 5060J), themodelwasintroduced shortly after the brands first highly-successful sportswatch, the , celebrated its 20th anniversary.

This example, the ref. 5065A-001, was launched shortly after the initial limited references, featuring an updated 315 SC calibre and an increased 38mm case diameter (up from 36mm). The ref. 5065A Jumbo also uses a sapphire display case-back, replacing the solid steel, seen in earlier versions.

The Aquanaut re-interprets a number of signature design elements from the Nautilus- most notably, the octagonal rounded bezel. It displays a high level of finishing, with brushed surfaces on the case front, and polished, bevelled edges. The steel, three-piece case provides water resistance up to 120m, further featuring a screw-down crown.

The black checkerboard dial has luminous-filled index markers and is embossed with silver applied numerals, and matchesthe texture on the rubber strap. The luminous material is superluminova, following the end ofPatek Philippeusing tritium on their dials.

The movement inside the reference 5065A is the self-winding calibre 315 SC, first used in 1984. 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.

This Patek Philippe 5065A-001 Aquanaut isaccompanied by its Certificate of Origin, which confirms its sale to September, 2006 by Boodles (or Boodle & Dunthorne, at it was then known). It also comes with its original boxes and Patek Philippe leather paperwork holder.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look