In 1976, with the launch of the famous Nautilus, Patek Philippe imposed his vision of sporty elegance. Then, in 1997, he presented another high-level sports timepiece, also now iconic: the Aquanaut. The case and the rounded octagonal bezel are inspired by the Nautilus while maintaining their originality, thanks also to the alternation of polished and satin finishes. The dial and bracelet are color-coordinated and are both decorated with an embossed checkerboard pattern. Another distinctive feature is the strap in hi-tech composite material, waterproof, soft, comfortable and pleasant to the touch, which stands out for its excellent resistance to traction, wear, salt water and UV rays. The Aquanaut, presented in a steel model with a black dial and strap, immediately conquered the public, especially the younger clientele who finally had the opportunity to enter the exclusive world of replica Patek Philippe. Over the years, the Aquanaut collection for men has been enriched with numerous versions: in 2007, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary, Patek Philippe intervened on the design of the basic model by revisiting the embossed motifs of the dial and bracelet, to give them more more momentum, and introducing a new integrated strap that follows the line of the case between the lugs. This Aquanaut (40.8 mm in diameter), equipped with the self-winding caliber 324 S C, is available in steel with a black dial and strap, and in rose gold with a brown dial and strap. It is also offered in a steel version with a steel bracelet and in a large model in white gold with a diameter of 42.2 mm, with a midnight blue or khaki green dial and strap. In addition, since 2011 Patek Philippe has offered the men’s Aquanaut also in a model equipped with the exclusive Travel Time mechanism that allows you to view a dual time zone with a date indexed to local time. This self-winding Aquanaut Travel Time is available in steel with a black dial and strap and in rose gold with a brown dial and strap. In 2018, the collection welcomed the very first chronograph presented in a steel version. The collection of men’s models is enriched this year with a new version of the Aquanaut Chronograph (presented for the first time in steel with a black dial in 2018), the Aquanaut Chronograph Ref-5968G: in white gold, with a colored dial and matching strap in midnight blue or khaki green. The 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock takes up the rounded octagonal shape of the bezel. The elongated pushers find space at 2 and 4 o’clock, on both sides of the screw-down crown. The chronograph indications (central hand, quarter-second scale, 60-minute counter) are white on the raised Aquanaut motif. Legibility is ensured by the applied numerals and large white gold baton hands with luminescent coating. This model is equipped with the self-winding flyback chronograph caliber CH 28-520 C which combines tradition (column wheel drive) and innovation (vertical disc engagement). An interesting detail: given the almost no wear of this clutch, the central hand of the chronograph can also be used as a second hand. The flyback function allows you to instantly start a new timing “in flight” while the chronograph is already running, by simply pressing the button at 4 o’clock. The watch has a power reserve between 45 and 55 hours. The case, 42.2 mm in diameter, is water resistant to 120 meters. The integrated strap in ultra-resistant composite material is equipped with a patented folding clasp secured by four independent attachment points. These two new, splendid models, complement the steel version I mentioned above in the collection replica watches uk.
