Ultimate Aquanaut: Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167/300G
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut copy has had an interesting journey. Since its inception, it has gone from a misunderstood and even blasphemous iteration on the revered Nautilus to a very desirable and unique watch. With the Aquanaut, Patek Philippe is showing that “luxury” and “leisure” are not diametrically opposed, and of all the Aquanaut models, I believe the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167/300G takes this ideology to the extreme. This is the extremely rare white gold diamond-set reference 5167/300G, never produced in series. It’s a watch that never got mainstream coverage and most collectors don’t even know it exists. This ultra-luxury, ultra-rare yet fully functional sports watch is the ultimate Aquanaut.
history
In 1997, in the middle of the internet boom, the first Aquanaut was launched as a luxury sports watch for a younger generation. Reference 5066A takes some of the best elements of the Nautilus, such as the octagonal bezel, steel case, and durability, and applies them to a more modern, approachable timepiece. This is not your dad’s Patek Philippe sports watch. The watch stood out for its rubber strap and sporty design, appealing to a young crowd in Silicon Valley who would rather wear pajamas to work than a suit. The Aquanaut has grown in popularity over the years and now commands a hefty premium on the used market.
Based on the entry-level 5167, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167/300G is anything but. A very limited number of reference watches, set with baguette diamonds, were initially available only in white or rose gold in the Middle East. It is very rare and does not appear in any Patek Philippe catalogues. This top replica watch seems to be used only by Patek Philippe’s best customers. It doesn’t get more unique than this.
plan the details
The watch is 40mm in diameter and 8.1mm thick, with a case made of 18k white gold set with as many as 101 baguette diamonds. If you’re not looking at sapphire crystals, you’re looking at diamonds, not just diamonds; these are some of the finest diamonds available. Patek Philippe only uses diamonds in top color, internal flawlessness and cut. Additionally, all stones are mobile without adhesive, demonstrating Patek Philippe’s dedication to its craftsmanship.
But don’t let ice and gold fool you. This watch still has all the classic Aquanaut features we know and love. The grenade-shaped raised guilloché pattern in the center of the dial, bold Arabic numerals and legible hands, and of course the tropical rubber strap are present and prevail. Even with the dazzling diamonds, the classic Aquanaut case shape remains recognizable across the room. Despite the precious metals and diamonds, the watch remains sporty with a durable rubber strap and a 120-meter water-resistant case; it’s up to pretty much anything. However, if I wear it on my wrist, the most adventure I would like to see is being pushed into the pool at a wedding.
inner workings
For all its glitz and glamour, the in-house Caliber 324 SC trumps it all. This self-winding time and date movement has a 45-hour power reserve and contains some of Patek Philippe’s advanced research components, including a four-spoke Gyromax balance wheel and a Spiromax balance wheel. These advanced features utilize Silinvar, a proprietary silicon compound manufactured by Patek Philippe that is harder and more corrosion-resistant than steel. It is also very smooth and requires no lubricant, making it more efficient and reliable. Overall, these advanced research features of the 324 SC make it a highly durable and precise movement. The Aquanaut is reliable, precise and luxurious.
competing with
The rarity of this buy replicas watch is unmatched, but its luxurious sporting spirit puts it in the most competitive position in the current market. If you’re looking for an ultra-luxury sports watch, here are some alternatives to consider.
First up was the Rolex Yacht-Master 126655. Like the Aquanaut, the Yacht-Master lived in the shadow of its famous older brother, the Submariner. However, unlike the Aquanaut, which is considered more casual than the Nautilus, the Yacht-Master has always been a more luxurious version of the Sub. This pattern is especially true. With its 18k rose gold case and pavé diamond dial, it cannot be mistaken for a standard sports watch. While the diamonds on the Yach-Master are more subtle than those on the Aquanaut, its rose gold case definitely catches the eye, so I think it’s just as gorgeous. Its Oyster-Flex strap — despite looking like a rubber strap — is an expertly designed marvel of durability and comfort. It certainly has the upper hand when compared to the Aquanauts Tropical Strap. However, this watch is a standard production piece and not as precious as a Patek Philippe.
Next up is this 37mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model 15451. Its case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, like the original Royal Oak, but the bezel of this watch is set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds. If you’re looking for something softer than the Aquanaut, this is the watch. Plus, for the sparkle and rarity you give up, you gain provenance. Aquanaut was modeled after Nautilus, but Royal is completely original. In fact, the Aquanaut is following the lead of the Royal Oak. The Nautilus and Aquanaut might not exist were it not for the Royal Oak, designed by Gerald Genta, who blazed the trail for luxury sports watches.
character
This is one of the most exclusive and luxurious creations in the 5167 Aquanaut. It takes what is considered a basic level of reference and elevates it to the highest level of connoisseurship and collectability. This watch is for the collector who already owns all the other Aquanaut variants and thinks they’ve seen it all. they do not.
The Aquanaut has truly become one of the best sporty luxury watches on the market, and it certainly no longer lives in the shadow of its big brother. The watch feels like it celebrates that, with luxury elements up to 11 and all the sporty touches intact. It pushes the concept of a luxury sports watch to new heights.
