126
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5065A-011
Aquanaut
An extremely rare and possibly unique stainless steel wristwatch with white dial, centre seconds and date
Full-Cataloguing
- A possibly unique piece never seen before at auction
- Featuring a white "grenade" dial
Introduced in 1997, the Aquanaut was Patek Philippe’s modern interpretation of a sporty yet elegant wristwatch. Taking inspiration from the celebrated Nautilus, it introduced a more contemporary design with its rounded octagonal case, embossed dial and distinctive “Tropical” strap. The reference 5065A quickly became one of the most desirable versions of the early Aquanaut collection. Nicknamed the “Jumbo” for its larger 38 mm case diameter, the reference 5065 retained the distinctive design language of the earlier reference 5060 while introducing an exhibition sapphire crystal caseback, allowing a view of the beautifully finished self-winding calibre 315.
The present reference is an exceptional example of the model. Unlike the standard examples fitted with a black embossed dial, this watch features a striking white dial, creating a completely different character while preserving the unmistakable design language of the Aquanaut. The contrast between the clean dial and stainless steel case gives the watch a refined and understated appearance.
The present example, reference 5065A-011, is believed to be unique or part of an extremely limited series. Its unusual configuration suggests that it may have been produced as a special order or possibly as a prototype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a reference 5065A-011 has appeared at auction. Patek Philippe has a long tradition of creating exceptional variations outside of its regular production, and such rare discoveries continue to offer collectors a fascinating insight into the manufacture’s bespoke approach.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.