Patek Aquanaut 5165A/001

[Jedi]

A fellow TRF'er asked me about some info on the Aquanaut. Here's a summary covering the watch, now into it's second round of production, and some general info about it's evolution.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut was first produced in 1997 as an 'update' on the Nautilus. I say 'update' in parantheses as one can see the DNA inherent in the shape of the case, being derived from the Nautilus port-hole design. Incidentally, the Nautilus was designed by Gerald Genta, who is also responsible for the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak sports watch.

As far as innovations go, the following are applicable to the Aquanaut line of watches, in particular the mechanical models:

- 120m water resistance. This is unique because it's the first time an exhibition caseback watch is rated to this depth.

- first time Patek has introduced a non-metal or leather bracelet/strap

- the Tropical Rubber material used in the bracelet (I use this definition because technicall, the bracelet doesn't not open fully, like a strap + buckle configuration) is a composite of various materials to resist saltwater immersion, UV deterioration and bacterial growth

The original references 506X were discontinued in 2006, and in 2007 the 516X series was launched. The difference in the references include an updated dial face with the following differences:

- 506X had a raised 'checkerboard' dial which matched the band design

- 516X have a 'checkerboard' dial that is more subtle, with a matt type finish that subtly alters in shade (anthracite is the best description) depending on the light source.

- the numeral 3 is not present in the new series, creating in my opinion a more balanced dial

Image of 5165 (current series):



Image of 5066 (discontinued series):



Note: Images from Patek Philippe website.

- bracelet and clasp design are updated on the 516X series with a newer clasp securing and release mechanism

- new series is made in two sizes, 5165 38mm measured diagonally across the case, and 5167 40mm measured diagonally across the case. The larger of the series has always been called the 'Jumbo'.

- the 315SC movement is identical to that found in the 5711 Nautilus series

- the movement has 21600 vibrations an hour, which is less than Rolex and 99% of all current mechanical movements, which vibrate 28,800 times an hour. The thinking here is that a slower balance would theoretically last longer over time.

General comments:

The 5165, which I own, is a comfortable watch, slim on the wrist, and a perfect stealth watch. It is a reference, along with the Nautilus, that polarises the Patek collecting community, but we should vote with our hearts and not peer pressure. It is no lesser a Patek and others such as Calatrava or Nautilus, simply because it's in steel and rubber. The finishing in terms of case quality and in particular, the movement, are just astounding. You can get better, but you also pay more. The finishing on the Caliber 315SC is as good in my opinion, as other Pateks. If you do not already own a loupe, now is a good time to get one as you'll be spending a lot of time admiring the movement and it's little beating heart.

A small tip on viewing the movement: It is best done if the clasp is opened up, which is perfectly do-able using a push-pin tool.

[DSJ]

Nice review.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Great watch, Lee!

Questions:

1) Does the date change instantly (like Rolex), or slowly over some time?

2) Do the Arabic numbers glow in the dark (lumeshot would be nice!)?

3) The sapphire crystal is flat (not domed) on this one, right?

4) Have you made records of its precision, yet?

[Jedi]

Thanks Dave and Bo. I put this together for a fellow TRF'er who's been looking at this model, hope it's helpful.

In answer Bo:

1. Instant date change, at around 0001

2. Arabics don't glow... lume shot of the 5066 below

3. Flat

4. +2/day

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Great lumeshot, Lee! Thanks for the replies!

[watchlady]

thanks so much for the great report and history lesson Lee!

[towernick]

Great Review, always like that PP, although i'm not sure how popular it is. Anyone have insight on how popular it is with PP purists? thanks.

[eric23]

I don't know how popular the Aquanaut is but I am thinking it might be by next watch. They had one at my Ad but it is gone now.

It is a little pricy but they make a fine watches. It might take me a few years to save up for it.

[cody p]

everytime i see one...

[Jedi]

It's a popular watch. A very limited run, less than PP's gold references, and a versatile watch. So comfortable. The tropical rubber strap is a joy to wear and the thinness of the piece, wow... not to mention the precision of its engine.

I wear mine for about a week a month.

[towernick]

What does one go for?

[Jedi]

About USD16,000.00

Discounts are rare.

[unknown]

I had the 5167 but sold it after 1 year.

Are you sure yours has the 315 movement ? Only the first had this movement, afterwards they replaced it with the 324.
The 324 is the newer movement but it's almost the same.

This one was mine ...
Sold it to buy another watch

[Cato]

That is so beautiful I could cry!

[cody p]

wicked pics!!!!

[Jedi]

And here are more pics

[Terry Newton]

Such nice fit and finish from Patek Philippe. It sure has an incredible movement as well. Everything about the watch just exudes distinction above most of what's out there. Simply a gentleman's watch.

Terry Newton

[KenrickJ]

The pics have an incredible detail it sure looks hot.

[psv]

This 5167/1A is definitely growing on me. The antithesis of oversized in-your-face watch culture with little refinement or class.

[tomee]

simply beautiful.

what are the RRP on these?

[psv]

MSRP in the US is $18,000 and discounts are hard to come by. On the bracelet it is $20,800.

[Paracentesis]

It's a lovely watch, but at that price, I'd be tempted to save a bit longer for the awesome Nautilus.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Paracentesis

It's a lovely watch, but at that price, I'd be tempted to save a bit longer for the awesome Nautilus.

[Tony-GB]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Wow. That 5711 is astounding.

Great pics & review of the Aquanaut. The second generation dial is much better than the first IMHO. But why the numbers are not luminous is strange.

[Lol-x]

Great review Lee and thanks for the photos guys

I can't understand why Patek would discontinue this icon of a watch.... It's almost equivelant to Rolex saying it was discontinuing a major model.....

[dddrees]

2yrs old, but still an excellent review.

[dmlkw0102]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Great review Lee and thanks for the photos guys

I can't understand why Patek would discontinue this icon of a watch.... It's almost equivelant to Rolex saying it was discontinuing a major model.....

is patek discontinuing the 5167?!

[capote]

Originally Posted by dmlkw0102

is patek discontinuing the 5167?!

This review is 4 years old. I think OP talked about the last Aquanaut version. The 5167 is still in Patek's webpage.

[capote]

Originally Posted by dddrees

2yrs old, but still an excellent review.

2008 was four years ago. Maybe its time you got a perpetual calendar

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by capote

2008 was four years ago. Maybe its time you got a perpetual calendar

OOPs, Busted



Great suggestion though.