Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2019
    Reference No: 5968A-001
    Model Name: Aquanaut Chronograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. CH 28-520 C, 32 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rubber
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42.2mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped The Hour Glass (HK) Limited dated 19th February 2019, instruction manual, additional straps, product literature, leather folio, envelope, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When Patek Philippe launched the Aquanaut in the late 1990s, they showed remarkable audacity - especially considered how conservative the company usually is - in bringing out a timepiece that was well beyond even the Nautilus in terms of casual wearability. Not only the rubber strap was practically a first in the industry, but the entire concept behind the watch was a step beyond even sport’s watch such as the Nautilus. The Aquanaut was meant to speak to a younger audience, thus somewhat shifting the overall perception of the company from extremely high-end and targeted to “old school” collectors, to a more contemporary, all round brand which is of course focused on unparalleled watchmaking but which also has more casual proposals. It was the logical extension of the ethos behind the Nautilus, expanded to include a novel client base which, while practically non-existent in the 1970s, was just budding in the 1990s and which has nowadays fully bloomed.

    The foresight of the company indeed paid off, with the model now considered one of the most appealing products from Patek Philippe. Consequently, the brand expanded the offer from the first time-only pieces to more complicated products, such as the present chronograph reference 5968, the first chronograph added to the collection.

    Debuted in 2018 in 42.2mm stainless steel case, the Aquanaut ref. 5968A-001 stands out with remarkable aesthetic appeal. Typified by its striking orange chronograph hands gliding over the small 60-minute register and across the black dial, the contrast is youthful and dynamic. Upon its launch, the timepiece comes with two straps: orange and black. An incredibly sought-after model in recent times, the present timepiece is preserved in excellent overall condition and is accompanied with its full set of accessories. Phillips is extremely proud to present this fresh-to-the-market example offered by the original owner.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Property from the Original Owner

985

Ref. 5968A-001
An eclectic, contemporary and highly sought-after stainless steel fly-back chronograph wristwatch with date, orange chronograph hand, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Circa 2019
42.2mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$450,000 - 850,000 
€57,300-108,000
$57,700-109,000

Sold for HK$1,386,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022