Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 2000 Reference No: 5060J Movement No: 3'031'214 Case No: 4'077'681 Model Name: Aquanaut Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 330/194, 30 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 2000 with "Semi-gloss black dial, yellow gold Roman numerals, tritium" and its subsequent sale on February 5, 2001
Catalogue Essay
In 1996, Patek Philippe tried to, for the first time since its inception, strongly renew the Nautilus line of timepieces. As a result, the iconic reference 3800 was released with a new Roman-numeral, groove-less black dial, and reference 5060 was introduced. It was at the time incepted as a leather-strap version of the Nautilus. The dramatic changes to the case design - such as the presence of proper lugs, and the lack of the typical “flaps” to the sides of the case - truly set this model apart from the rest of the Nautilus collection, so much that in fact it is the archetype of the other line of sport’s watches: the Aquanaut.
The present example of this landmark model is offered in practically mint condition, the case having acquired, through years sitting in a safety deposit box, a beautiful warm sheen thanks to the subtle oxidation of the 18K gold.
Since 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.