Patek Philippe Aquanaut

Patek Philippe Aquanaut is the Geneva manufacture's sports collection, introduced in 1997. The Aquanaut inherited its bezel shape from the Nautilus but developed into a line of its own with a younger character. It is recognised by its softly rounded octagonal case, vertically satin-brushed bezel with polished bevels and embossed dial, whose pattern continues on the Tropical composite strap. The combination of sporty form and fine finishing makes the Aquanaut a watch for an active life that still works with a suit.

The Aquanaut collection comprises several families. The core models show the date: the early 5066A at 35 mm and 5065/1A at 37 mm, and the current 5167 at 40 mm and 5168G at 42.2 mm. The name "Jumbo" is used for the 40 mm 5167, but the 42.2 mm 5168G is sometimes described that way too, so it is worth checking the size. The Aquanaut Travel Time is designed for flying and shows home and local time. The Aquanaut Chronograph has a flyback function. The Aquanaut Luce is the ladies' and unisex branch, some of whose models have diamonds or sapphires on the bezel.

The key choices are function, metal and case size. Aquanaut watches come in stainless steel and white, rose and yellow gold, with cases from 34 to 42.2 mm and production years from 2005 to 2025. There are men's, ladies' and unisex models, automatic and quartz; most are on rubber straps, some on a steel bracelet.