Patek Philippe Jumbo Aquanaut 5065A-001 Box and Papers
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.
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.
