A new Aquanaut: Reference 5986R-001
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Replica with a brown dial and 42.2 mm case. With its sizeable diameter, the model is often at the centre of discussions: is it too big for a Patek Philippe? From a classic point of view, certainly. Yet is it a size that is also popular among the wider clientele for a sporty model in 2023? From a contemporary point of view, that too. Testing it out in Geneva, the novelty was easy to wear even on a slimmer wrist.
That was until our eyes fell on this Aquanaut Luce with a blue-grey dial and strap. The addition ‘Luce’ makes it clear that this is a ladies’ model. Technically. Because, as has often been the case in the past – for example, with the recent Patek Philippe ‘Rainbow’ Reference 7968 Replica – one can certainly speak of a unisex Aquanaut when it comes to this model.
With a diameter of 39.9 mm, it can be worn in a variety of ways, making it a watch that the owner can share with her husband. Or vice versa. A watch for two. From this point of view, we like to think that the price of 60,480 Swiss francs can be shared, or at least you can think of it that way.
A very handsome piece: Pilot Travel Time with chronograph
As a pilot’s watch, readability, at least in theory, is ultimately of paramount importance, and in combination with the Cheap Patek Philippe Replica, this results in an overall height of 6.95 mm for the calibre CH 28-520 C FUS, sitting within a 13.05-mm high white-gold case.
The result is a pilot’s watch that is one of the most classic, beautiful and certainly valuable watches that can be purchased today. The deep olive-green version, in particular, has a special charm.
The upper push-button integrated into the case sets the local time one hour forward, while the lower one sets it one hour back. Although this is child’s play, it can still be a hindrance in everyday life, for example if you run out of toothpicks in business class.
The annual calendar chronograph, Reference 5905R-010
It was clear that something had to happen with the Patek Philippe Replica Watches annual calendars this year, as the fans of the maison agreed. After all, several had disappeared from the range in the recent past.
It now stands side by side with the steel version with matching bracelet and green dial. The contrast could hardly be starker, because whereas the steel chrono is sporty, this interpretation is elegant. And while the novelty flashes for attention, its sister reference is pure understatement.
Saving the best ‘til last: Grandes Complications
The bicolour Grandmaster Chime i.e., in a mix of rose and white gold, and the Grandmaster Chime Haute Joaillerie, with 118 baguette emeralds and 291 baguette diamonds.
Or, there’s the Patek Philippe Replica now in white gold, a World Time watch with minute repeater and cloisonné enamel from the Rare Handcraft collection. Also worth a mention is the minute repeater Reference 5178G-012with two cathedral gongs and a hand-guillochéd dial concealed under blue enamel – a dream with a diameter of 40 mm.
It combines beauty and style, class and daring. And whoever suggestively coughs before whispering ‘Lumen’ at this point might just be referring to a piece from Glashütte, which has a related look.
