While the luxury watch market boasts several notable brand names, none combine history and tradition with modern innovation quite like Patek Philippe. With a history that’s close to 185 years in the making, Patek Philippe is a cornerstone brand in the luxury industry, with some of the most popular and coveted models of all time falling under the brand’s Swiss banner.
Two of those models are the Aquanaut and the Nautilus: two watches that are effortlessly luxurious and have contributed greatly towards Patek Philippe’s continued success.
But which is the right model for you? In this blog, we’re identifying some of the key differences between these two watches to help buyers decide on the best investment for them.
The Story Behind the Nautilus
The Nautilus watch was released by Patek Philippe in 1976 as a sports watch, and immediately caught the attention of buyers with its distinct U-turn away from the smart dress watches previously shared by the brand.
In fact, the Nautilus was brought to life by designer Gerald Genta, who had previously been commissioned by rival brand Audemars Piguet to design their Royal Oak collection. The design had proved so successful to the brand that Patek Philippe brought the same creatives on board to design their own watch – bringing their unique style and flair to the sports market.
The resulting watch is one of great precision and even greater luxury. It was considered, both at the time of release and in the last few years, as one of the most innovative, high-end sports watches available, owing to its bold shape and unexpected use of materials. It turned steel into a coveted material and proved that waterproof watches could still be aesthetically pleasing and stylish on the wrist.
But more on the key features of the Nautilus in a moment. First, an introduction to the Aquanaut.
The Story Behind the Aquanaut
The Aquanaut wristwatch was released by Patek Philippe in 1997, just over 20 years after the initial rollout of the Nautilus. It was created to fill the gaps that had appeared around the outskirts of the Nautilus’ popularity, using many of the same traits and design features but with a much sleeker and more modern overall finish.
When comparing the two, the Aquanaut is typically pitched as the younger and fresher model, with a more casual design that falls into the category of everyday luxury rather than something that looks particularly professional or high-tech.
So, with that in mind, how do the two differ in terms of their features?
Key Features of the Nautilus Watch
The Nautilus watch was designed with a unique porthole-style watch face, featuring an octagonal watch face and the kind of fastening that is reminiscent of a ship. The Nautilus is generally regarded as the chunkier of the two popular Patek Philippe creations and is characterised by its metal or leather bracelet, which gives it that older and more vintage feel when compared with the Aquanaut.
As one of the first luxury sports watches to be made from steel, boasting a waterproof design and screwed-down sealing system that enhances the look and function of the watch, this piece carries the wearer from day to night with ease.
Key Features of the Aquanaut Watch
The main thing you will notice about the Aquanaut is that it boasts the same underlying design principles as the Nautilus but with a finish that appears sleeker and more modern, as well as more intrinsically functional. The inclusion of a rubber bracelet, as opposed to leather or metal, makes the design more casual – without detracting from the engineering prowess that can be seen in the watch face and surrounding mechanics.
The rectangular pattern that’s printed on the rubber bracelet is mimicked across the watch face, while the winding crown located adjacent to the 3 o’clock marker is held in place by guards, which deliver that sleek design that modern watchmakers favour.
It is, like the Nautilus, available in a multitude of sizes and finishes – though it’s worth noting that many believe the Aquanaut to be slightly more boxy and therefore more masculine.
How to Choose Between the Two Models
Despite the differences between the two Patek Philippe models, both are similarly high in value and strike the perfect balance between being functional and user-friendly, and timelessly stylish.
With the most notable difference between the two models being the bracelet, Patek Philippe proves that functional and even more casual materials do not have to equate to the absence of luxury. What’s more, it makes the decision between the two different models much easier for buyers with a personal preference when it comes to the finish and aesthetic of their watch – with the leather or metal bracelet of the Nautilus presenting a much more classic look than the rubber of the Aquanaut.
So, for most buyers, what it all comes down to is personal preference and availability, as well as factors such as cost and what they are looking for in their Patek investment.
Availability is impacted by both where you choose to buy your luxury watch and the demand for your chosen model. Patek Philippe, like so many other luxury brands, owes much of its demand and high pricing to the fact that supply is heavily outweighed by demand. For every watch available, there are countless buyers looking to pay above average prices for ownership of a piece of luxury timepiece history.
To make sure you get the best deal and to enjoy access to a wide selection of models and finishes, our advice is to visit your local boutique supplier and ask to see their existing stock.
