The Aquanaut has long been recognised as the watch that Patek Philippe developed for a younger and more modern audience. It takes on many of the characteristics and hallmarks of the earlier Nautilus but presents them in a way that seems more casual. All that, without detracting from the understated luxury that buyers continue to demand, and while keeping the price at the kind of record high that Patek Philippe has become known for.
The Aquanaut was first launched in 1997 and takes on the role of the Nautilus’ younger brother – that is, it bears the same design traits and underlying principles but delivers them in a sleek and more modern way.
One of the most notable differences, and one of the things that makes the Aquanaut so unique, is its rubber bracelet. Proving that luxury does not have to revolve solely around high-value metals and precious materials, this timepiece combines the best of engineering and the exceptionally crafted watch face with the kind of strap that makes it an everyday watch-lover’s dream. It takes its role as a professional sports watch seriously, but with the kind of aesthetic that makes this watch wearable from day to night.
With that in mind, how does the Patek Philippe Aquanaut timepiece embrace innovation across its technical specifications?
Key Features of the Aquanaut
There are countless versions and individual models of the Aquanaut that have been in circulation since the collection’s initial release back in the late 1990s. However, the hallmarks and key features remain the same.
The octagonal watch face, inspired by the porthole design of the Nautilus, is arguably the most famous design feature of the Aquanaut. However, while the domed glass case itself is reminiscent of the Nautilus, the actual silhouette of the watch face is really quite different – with the Aquanaut following a much smoother line, without the same angular edges as the Nautilus.
When looking at the Aquanaut, it is also worth noting the chequered design on the back of the watch face – which replaces the formerly textured dial of the Patek Philippe watch collection. This further enhances the sporty and active presentation of the watch and lends it to the younger audience, for whom it was designed. Not to mention, this same chequered pattern is continued into the rubber strap to deliver a consistent aesthetic that makes the watch feel well thought-out and polished.
Using Technology to Entice the Modern Buyer
When we talk about the technology of a watch, we refer not only to the working mechanism but also to the details of the design that enhance the way it is worn and used.
The Aquanaut is designed to give its wearer access to the information they need. It combines its luminescent watch hands, for telling the time in all light conditions, with a self-winding mechanism for full accuracy and a date window that’s located just at the side of the 3 o’clock hour marker.
Another piece of technological design flair that’s worth noting with the Aquanaut is how the creators at Patek Philippe managed to make a watch that is both more rugged and also sleeker and more streamlined in design. Through a blend of functional materials and smoother edges, the Aquanaut may be intrinsically more practical, but it delivers this in a watch that is also marginally smaller than the Nautilus and much more refined in shape and design.
Moving forward to 2007, Patek Philippe launched a remodel Aquanaut in celebration of the watch’s 10th anniversary. This new and improved model paid even more attention to the bridge between technical excellence and luxury design by rounding the bezel out, adding more texture to the background of the watch face, and replacing the inhouse movement with the newer high-calibre mechanism.
And, in 2017, another 10 years down the line, Patek Philippe did it again. The ‘Jumbo’ anniversary-edition watch was slightly bigger than earlier Aquanaut models – matching the former Nautilus model in size, to celebrate the shared history of the two watches and their direct links in design. This 20th anniversary model featured a sapphire back to the case for full visibility of the watch’s mechanics, and even featured a specific model called the ‘Travel Time’ Aquanaut, which could read different time zones.
Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Watch as an Investment
What all of this tells us is that Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut, while innovative upon its release in 1997, has continued to withstand the test of time through new releases and models that continue to push the boundaries of what the brand formerly stood for.
Once a brand that was steeped in history, and that celebrated its traditional flair across every luxury piece it produced, the Aquanaut in particular marks a shift for the Patek Philippe brand – away from classic dress watches and into a modern market where function is as valuable as style.
The Aquanaut is no doubt a revolutionary watch for the brand, but it continues to drive demand for its complex use of technological excellence and unexpected but stylish materials. While some modern Aquanauts have been produced with the option of a steel bracelet, the rubber feature bracelet remains a mainstay in the collection.
If you’re looking for a luxury watch that bridges elegance and style with professional function, then you can’t go far wrong with the Patek Philippe Aquanaut. What’s more, with both older and more modern variations of the collection available, demand for authentic pieces remains high – especially given the limited release whenever Patek Philippe announces a new collection.
A good investment watch is one that holds or even increases its value over time, with buyers urged to only buy from reputable resellers who offer full authentication checks and valuation information to support each purchase.
