Patek Philippe Aquanuat Ref. 5065A - 'Jumbo' W/ Tritium Dial

The first Aquanaut was officially launched in 1997 and paid tribute to its older brother, the Nautilus, by way of its overall sporting appearance, and its bezel shape — and thats about it. Gone were the porthole-style 'ears' and in with more traditional lugs — allowing for a more conventional (and versatile) wearing experience.

Being the 1990s, many of the first References utilized Tritium on their dials for a number of years, extending into the early 2000s, and they are already and will continue to age beautifully in the years to come. Neo-vintage charm at its finest!

The Aquanaut that we have here, a Reference 5065A, is a stainless steel example known to collectors as a 'Jumbo' for its 38mm case size. The case itself appears to be unpolished, with correct finishing visible throughout and showign normal signs of wear with light sleeve-polish. Inside, this piece retains its desirable Tritium dial with that attractive anthracite color and deep 'hobnail' pattern found only on early Aquanauts. The dial itself is beautifully preserved and remain in seemingly flawless condition, with evenly patinated indices. The handset is a luminous unit, and correct for the era, though could be a later replacement. It has a signed screw-down crown and a sapphire exhibition caseback, revealing Patek's automatic-winding movement within. This example comes fitted to its black 'hobnail'-pattern rubber strap with its correct stainless steel 'butterfly' deployant clasp.

This reference is a favorite for a few of us over here at HQ, and we think, a perfect 'elevated' daily driver that can be worn by virtually anyone and on a wide variety of straps.