Patek Philippe Aquanaut has an interesting journey. Since its launch, it has gone from a misunderstood-even profane-iteration of the acclaimed Nautilus to a very popular and unique watch. Through Aquanaut, Patek Philippe explained that “luxury” and “leisure” are not the opposite. Among all Aquanaut models, I believe that Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167/300G takes this ideology to the extreme. This is an extremely rare platinum-set diamond reference model 5167/300G that has never been continuously produced. This is a watch that has never been reported by the mainstream media, and most collectors don’t even know its existence. This ultra-luxury, ultra-rare but fully functional sports watch is the ultimate Aquanaut.
In 1997, during the Internet boom, the first Aquanaut was launched as a luxury sports watch for the younger generation. The 5066A reference model takes some of the best elements of Nautilus—such as the octagonal bezel, steel case, and durability—and applies them to more modern and approachable timepieces. This is not your dad’s Patek Philippe sports watch. This watch stands out because of its rubber strap and sporty design, making it attractive to the young population of Silicon Valley, who are more likely to wear pajamas instead of suits. Over the years, Aquanaut has become more and more popular and now holds a high premium on the second-hand market.
Based on the entry-level 5167, Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167/300G is definitely not the case. The reference of this baguette diamond cladding is very limited, initially only available in white gold or rose gold in the Middle East. It is extremely rare and does not appear in any Patek Philippe catalog. There are probably less than ten, and this watch seems to be only available to Patek Philippe’s best customers. Nothing is more unique than this.
The case has a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 8.1 mm. It is made of 18k white gold and is set with 101 baguette diamonds. If you are not looking at sapphire crystals, then you are looking at diamonds, not just any diamond; these are some of the finest diamonds. Patek Philippe only uses diamonds of top color, flawless interior and cut. In addition, all gems are made of mobile phones without adhesives, demonstrating Patek Philippe’s dedication to its craftsmanship.
But don’t let Bing and Jin fool you. This watch still has all the classic Aquanaut features we know and love. The grenade-shaped raised guilloche pattern in the center of the dial, eye-catching Arabic numerals, clear hands, and of course a tropical rubber strap, all have it. Even with dazzling diamonds, the classic Aquanaut case shape can still be recognized from the other side of the room. Despite the use of precious metals and diamonds, this watch maintains its sportiness with its durable rubber strap and 120-meter waterproof case; it can do almost anything. However, if I strap it to my wrist, the biggest adventure I would like to see is being pushed into the swimming pool at the wedding.
Under all the glitz and charm, the homemade 324 SC movement wins. This self-winding time and date movement has a 45-hour power reserve and contains some of Patek Philippe’s advanced research components, including the four-spoke Gyromax balance wheel and the Spiromax balance wheel. These advanced features use Silinvar, a proprietary silicon compound manufactured by Patek Philippe, which is harder and more corrosion resistant than steel. It is also very smooth and does not require lubricants, making it more efficient and reliable. Overall, these advanced research features of the 324 SC make it a highly durable and precise movement. This Aquanaut is reliable and precise, but at the same time very luxurious.
The rarity of this watch is difficult to contend with, but its luxurious sportsmanship makes it the most competitive position on the market. If you are looking for an ultra-luxury sports watch, here are some alternatives to consider.
The first is this Rolex Yacht-Master 126655. Like Aquanaut, Yacht-Master also lives in the shadow of the famous brother Submariner. However, unlike Aquanaut, which is considered more casual than Nautilus, Yacht-Master has always been a more luxurious version of Sub. This model is especially true. With its 18k rose gold case and pavé diamond dial, you won’t mistake it for a standard sports watch. Although the diamonds on the Yach-Master are more subtle than the diamonds on the Aquanaut, its rose gold case is definitely eye-catching, so I would say it is equally gorgeous. Its Oyster-Flex bracelet (although it looks like a rubber strap) is a professional design marvel of durability and comfort. Compared with the Aquanauts tropical strap, it undoubtedly has the upper hand. However, this watch is a standard production part and is not as precious as Patek Philippe.
Next is the 37 mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model 15451. Its case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, just like the original Royal Oak, but the bezel of this watch is set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds. If you are looking for a more low-key Aquanaut product, this is the watch. In addition, what you give up in flash and rarity, you get in provenance. Aquanaut is modeled after Nautilus, but Royal is completely original. In fact, Aquanaut is following in the original footsteps of the Royal Oak. Without the Royal Oak designed by Gerald Genta to pave the way for luxury sports watches, Nautilus and Aquanaut might not exist.
This is one of the most unique and luxurious products of 5167 Aquanaut. It raises what is regarded as a basic reference to the highest level of appreciation and collection. This watch is for collectors who already own all other Aquanaut variants and think they have seen all of them. they do not.
Aquanaut has truly become one of the best sports luxury watches on the market, and it certainly no longer lives in the shadow of its big brother. The luxury element of this watch is as high as 11, and all its sportiness is intact, which makes people feel like celebrating this. It pushes the concept of luxury sports watches to new heights.