Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5066A-010 Japan Limited Edition Blue Dial Stainless Steel Box and Papers
Debuting in 1997, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut was released to engage with a newly minted clientele with money in their pocket during the stock market explosion. Released under the same premise as the Nautilus when it was released in 1976, the Aquanaut was a trendy watch that broke from traditional Patek Philippe aesthetic stylings. Featuring a first for Patek with its composite strap, the Aquanaut needed to be delicately launched. So it was first released as a limited-edition offering of 1000 pieces with the ref. 5060A. Thanks to its success, in 1998, the year following, Patek launched a new variant of the Aquanaut, the ref. 5066A, which is what we have here. Featuring the same 36mm stainless steel case and the same automatic cal. 330 SC movement as the ref. 5060A, the ref. 5066A is very similar to its predecessor, yet it introduces a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback to the collection. This allowed the 120m water-resistant Aquanaut ref. 5066A to become the most water-resistant timepiece to sport an exhibition caseback, an impressive feat for Patek Philippe considering their pedigree was in complicated classical timepieces, not sports watches. An icon of modern watchmaking, the Aquanaut has transcended horology, and with the ref. 5066A marking the beginning of its production as a serially-produced watch, it is a remarkably important and collectible reference.
THE DIAL Offered as a special edition variant made specifically for the Japanese market, the Aquanaut ref. 5066A-010 most notably boasts a blue dial and a matching blue rubber strap, which contrast the black dial and straps typically offered by the ref. 5066A.
THE CONSTRUCTION Measuring 36mm in diameter, the ref. 5066A features the same rounded octagonal stainless steel case design as the initial limited-edition Aquanaut reference, the ref. 5060A - a perfectly wearable size for men and women in today's context.
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.
