This Aquanaut 5165 combines the vintage-leaning 38mm size with the modern Aquanaut design, which was updated in 2007, marking the model's tenth anniversary. Only available in the catalogue for a brief five year period, itis one of the more limited Aquanaut references of modern times.
The Story of the Aquanaut
With theNautilushaving famously been penned by Grald Genta,Patek Philippedecided to produce their own take on the luxury steel sports watch, designed entirely in-house. In 1996, they delivered the5060A, which is widely considered as the firstAquanaut, integrating the signature elements that have endured to this very day: a stainless steel case, the recognisable checkerboard dial and a rubber strap.
These design elements were geared towards something much sportier and more than the manufacturer was known for at the time. Though unconfirmed, rumour suggests that the model was first commissioned by high level military personnel, hence the utilitarian design and the dial pattern reminiscent of a grenade. Ever since its introduction, theAquanauthas acted as a sort of modern canvas for experimentation, giving the manufacturer the ability to deviate from their otherwise reserved and classical offering.
A "Transitional" Reference
Introduced in 2007, marking the tenth anniversary of the Aquanaut, the ref.5165 is something of a transitional model. Itcombines the more of the earlier "Jumbo"5065with a more modern case, strap and dial design.The reference only appeared in the catalogue for about five years, making it one of themore limited Aquanaut models produced. It was also only ever made in stainless steel, which further sets it apart.
The ref. 5165 - and its larger sibling the ref. 5167 - took the original Aquanaut design and updated it for modern times.With a texture reminiscent of a hand grenade, this military-inspired dial stands apart from the manufacturers more traditional designs.On the dial, the deep grooves found on previous references are gone, replaced with a shallower dial design, with slightly more curved lines to match the added roundness of the case.
With finely polished edges and a flat, brushed bezel that frames the dial, well executed finishing is found throughout the case. At 38mm, this watch wears well on a variety of wrist sizes,combining vintage proportions with modern aesthetics. This distinctive texture of the dial is extended over to the tropical" rubber strap, with both of them complementing each other and creating a general sense of coherence.
The Movement
The movement inside the reference 5165A is the self-winding calibre 324 SC, introduced in the early 2000sas a marked improvement on their calibre 315. The calibre now beats at 28,800 A/h for improved accuracy and the solid-gold rotor is larger for increased power-generation, finished in classic Patek Philippe style, with circular Geneva stripes. The power-reserve is circa 45 hours.
The Set
This Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5165A comes with aPatek Philippeouter box, Patek Philippe leather watch roll and an Archival Extract. It is also accompanied by a new, uncut tropical rubber strap in black, along with the original stainless steel deployant clasp.
If sold within the United Kingdom, thisAquanaut Ref. 5165A-001 will be subject to 20% VAT. Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.
To find out more about the reference 5165, you can read ouron the Patek Philippe Aquanaut.
Closer look
| Brand: | Patek Philippe |
| Model: | Aquanaut Ref. 5165A-001 |
| Movement: | mechanical, automatic-windingcalibre 324 SC |
| Functions: | date,hours, minutes, centre seconds |
| Features: | display back, Superluminovaindex markers, appliedArabic numerals |
| Case: | 38mmstainless steel |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and display back |
| Bracelet: | integrated Patek Philippe rubber strap and deployant clasp |
| Year: | 2008 (sold) |
| Box & papers: | Patek Philippeouter box, Patek Philippe leather watch roll, Archival Extract |
