Aquanaut vs. Nautilus Popularity

[Fenrira]

For context, one of my friends is selling off almost all his watches to fund an all-in investment into some stocks. To my surprise, he’s asking more for his 5968a than any of his Nautilus chronographs (5990/1a, 5980r on leather, and 5980/1a in blue). I went to check prices on Chrono24 and sure enough what he’s asking is in line with the market’s.

I don’t follow market prices so I had no idea that Aquanauts command such a high premium. In your opinion, other than steel 5711s, has the Aquanaut become more desirable than the Nautilus? If so, what caused this to happen? If not, how would you explain the market asking more for the 5968 than equivalent Nautilus?

[Ichiran]

This model is fairly new and there aren't so many of them in the market, but I think the biggest reason is due to the orange hand and strap. It's the most unique piece in the catalogue in terms of colour.

[ts3]

IMO this is chrono specific. Among the Patek sports chronos the 5968A is the most fun and versatile watch and with limited supply given only 3 years of production so far. The pushers look as if they had always been meant to be there whereas the pushers on the Nautilus chronos ruin the case design for many including myself. When it comes to basic Nautilus and Aquanauts I much prefer the Nautilus but I have always found the Nautilus chronos ugly. Not so 5968A.

[Fenrira]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

This model is fairly new and there aren't so many of them in the market, but I think the biggest reason is due to the orange hand and strap. It's the most unique piece in the catalogue in terms of colour.

True, it has a lot of presence for sure. I guess why it surprised me initially is that both the 5980r and 5980/1a are no longer obtainable at retail, but the 5968 is.

[Fenrira]

Originally Posted by ts3

IMO this is chrono specific. Among the Patek sports chronos the 5968A is the most fun and versatile watch and with limited supply given only 3 years of production so far. The pushers look as if they had always been meant to be there whereas the pushers on the Nautilus chronos ruin the case design for many including myself.

Good point, I also find that the 5968 retains its sleekness whereas the 5980 looks really rugged (almost chunky) on the wrist. Would be interesting to see the where Patek takes the Aquanaut in terms of complications.

[ramenlover]

Because he probably got discounts on his 5980 when he bought them. Percentage wise he’s for sure making more on the blue 5980 than on his 5968. Check your PM pls, I am interested in the 5980

[enjoythemusic]

Get the Nautilus ASAP, i hear it's being discontinued.

[HMHM]

I enjoy the more casual nature of the Aquanauts as opposed to the Nautilus and it’s less prominent presence. I do think the 5164a is the sweet spot for size. That being said the Nautilus is a Nautilus.

938D57D1-7A60-4804-8BB7-EB9C455E8419.jpeg

[Fenrira]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I enjoy the more casual nature of the Aquanauts as opposed to the Nautilus and it’s less prominent presence. I do think the 5164a is the sweet spot for size. That being said the Nautilus is a Nautilus.

Attachment 1240814

That’s an impressive shot of a beautiful watch!

[cascavel]

Markets are always presenting opportunities and traps. Being able to buy a 5980/1a for less than a 5968a is an opportunity. Having to pay over $125K for either one of them is a trap.

[WatchingAustin]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I enjoy the more casual nature of the Aquanauts as opposed to the Nautilus and it’s less prominent presence. I do think the 5164a is the sweet spot for size. That being said the Nautilus is a Nautilus.

Attachment 1240814

Love the picture. I think you're right, the larger Aquanauts look to large for my wrist personally.

[szabo_martin]

Two very different pieces... I remember here in Canada around 2016 when they were both in the case the 5167 was 21k and the 5711 was 27k so there wasn't a huge gap in price even back then. Aquanaut is definitely a bit more casual, the 5711 bracelet really catches light. 5711 wears thinner although the Aquanaut is by no means a fatty either

[SpindleK]

This is gonna sound simplistic but a friend of mine has pretty much every nautilus available and he keeps wearing his Aquanaut 5164R all the time. I asked him why and his response was....."I like the rubber strap" :(

Seems to me, the after market rubber straps for nautilus doesn't cut it for patek purists

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by SpindleK

This is gonna sound simplistic but a friend of mine has pretty much every nautilus available and he keeps wearing his Aquanaut 5164R all the time. I asked him why and his response was....."I like the rubber strap" :(

Seems to me, the after market rubber straps for nautilus doesn't cut it for patek purists

After market rubber straps for Nautilus?

[azizu]

Originally Posted by Fenrira

For context, one of my friends is selling off almost all his watches to fund an all-in investment into some stocks. To my surprise, he’s asking more for his 5968a than any of his Nautilus chronographs (5990/1a, 5980r on leather, and 5980/1a in blue). I went to check prices on Chrono24 and sure enough what he’s asking is in line with the market’s.

I don’t follow market prices so I had no idea that Aquanauts command such a high premium. In your opinion, other than steel 5711s, has the Aquanaut become more desirable than the Nautilus? If so, what caused this to happen? If not, how would you explain the market asking more for the 5968 than equivalent Nautilus?

When the 5968A was first released few years back, i never understood why it was so desirable.
however there is one special thing that the 5968A holds over all regular production sports steel pateks.......size
it is the only 42mm in current production (the only other 42mm is the 40yrs anniversary which is a very limited run).
so i guess some folks like the 42mm case and are welling to pay the premium

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by azizu

When the 5968A was first released few years back, i never understood why it was so desirable.
however there is one special thing that the 5968A holds over all regular production sports steel pateks.......size
it is the only 42mm in current production (the only other 42mm is the 40yrs anniversary which is a very limited run).
so i guess some folks like the 42mm case and are welling to pay the premium

Are both the green and blue 5168G limited runs?

[Peter992]

More popular among younger crowd because of rubber strap. Nautilus for older guys like me.

[Cryptochonos1]

The aquanaut this summer has been more desirable simply due to the hot temperatures, but in the majority of cases the nautilus still is more popular due to the lineage

[Cryptochonos1]

Personally I like the 5980 nautilus quite a bit more than the rose gold aquanauts due to the bracelet

[azizu]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Are both the green and blue 5168G limited runs?

not sure if they were limited run but they are precious metal....so considerably heavier and more prone to scratches

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by cascavel

Markets are always presenting opportunities and traps. Being able to buy a 5980/1a for less than a 5968a is an opportunity. Having to pay over $125K for either one of them is a trap.

Listen to this.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Get the Nautilus ASAP, i hear it's being discontinued.

Which one?


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[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Token74

Which one?

None of them. Only the 5711/1A, which is already well known to be discontinued as of this year.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Are both the green and blue 5168G limited runs?

No. They are not limited runs.

Patek only has one kind of limited run, a numbered edition.

The 5168G is not one of them.

(Limited run != low production, obviously.)

[Token74]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

None of them. Only the 5711/1A, which is already well known to be discontinued as of this year.

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[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Token74

[aj_tucker]

Are we gonna hear about the stocks in question, too??

[Shadow Play]

Personally, I prefer the style of Aquanaut over the Nautilus......although I own neither unfortunately.

[Yobrooks]

The Aquanaut is perhaps the most comfortable watch I own; sleek and an great daily wearer. The Nautilus is a Genta classic and has always been the Aqua's big brother . IMO I prefer the Aquanaut in rose gold, 5167R