Good evening everyone.

Due to the influence of the "strongest cold wave" that has been reported every day, some areas have been hit by record-breaking snowfall. I hope that no one is injured or feeling unwell. I pride myself on being sensitive to heat and being able to withstand the cold, but this cold is really breaking my spirit.

Well, we only have three days left of business this year, but as if to show our momentum for 2024, we have received two new Aquanaut watches equipped with new movements, so we would like to introduce them to you! Please read to the end!

"Ref.5167A-001"
"Aquanaut Extra Large" SS

The Aquanaut Extra Large, Ref. 5167A-001, was released in 2007 and has been a best-seller for approximately 16 years.

This is the third generation of the Aquanaut, and with its tropical band, it has a sporty yet classic look. When you hear the name Aquanaut, this model probably comes to mind.

The case diameter is 40.8mm and the thickness is 8.1mm. When you actually wear it, it fits well under the sleeve of a shirt, and I think it is a truly "exquisite" size. In addition, the combination of the SS (stainless steel) case and the tropical band is so light that you forget you are wearing it, and it is not stressful at all. Although the tropical band tends to be casual, it can be worn comfortably with a suit or jacket style, which is what you would expect from [Patek Philippe].

The tropical band on this watch is just over 16.5cm long. It shows some signs of wear, but if the size fits, you can still use it as is. By the way, compared to leather straps, tropical bands last longer and can be purchased for around 35,000 yen, so it's also attractive for keeping costs down.

In addition, the buckle is the latest specification, but this was probably changed in 2022. The update for the SS (stainless steel) model was slower than that for the 18KWG (white gold) model, so this is also a point that can be appreciated.

The movement installed is the "Cal.26-330 SC", which is still very rare on the market. It has a hack function (second hand stop) and there is no time period during which the date cannot be changed. This is just my personal opinion, but I predict that this new movement will be installed in the units manufactured around May 2022.

The warranty date is May 2022. There are some scratches and scuffs from use, but the non-polished case and buckle make for a solid, impressive piece.

The selling price is 7,997,000 yen (tax included)

Click here for the product page

The latest buckle specifications! New movement! And it's non-polished! With all these features, I think this price setting is really reasonable. It may sound exaggerated, but I think it's a miracle that it's still around. (laughs)

"Ref.5164A-001"
"Aquanaut Travel Time" SS

The stainless steel Aquanaut Travel Time, Ref. 5164A-001, was introduced at Baselworld in 2011.

It is equipped with a "Travel Time" mechanism in a 40.8mm case similar to the "Ref. 5167A-001", but by reducing the case thickness to 10.2mm, it is both impactful and extremely comfortable to wear.

Patek Philippe's "Travel Time" mechanism is easy to use, and you just need to press the buttons at 10 o'clock and 8 o'clock to set the LOCAL time. It is especially recommended for those who often travel abroad for work or travel.

How to use and how to read

▶The small windows at 3 o'clock for HOME (departure point) and 9 o'clock for LOCAL (local location) allow you to distinguish between day and night (6am - 6pm: white, 6pm - 6am: blue)
▶ Press the buttons on the side of the case at 10 o'clock and 8 o'clock to change the time zone (normal hour hand operation)
▶ Press the push button at 8 o'clock to advance the hour by one hour ▶ Press the push button at 10 o'clock to advance the hour by one hour

There is a small button on the side of the case at the 4 o'clock position on the dial for fast-forwarding the calendar, but since it is equipped with the new movement, Cal.26-330 SC FUS , there are no more prohibited times during which the calendar cannot be changed, making it much more practical.

It is the same as the "Ref. 5167A-001", and has the latest buckle. By the way, the tropical band of this watch is a little short, at a maximum of about 15.5 cm, so if it does not fit, we ask that you purchase a band. (Laughs)

As mentioned above, the movement is the "Cal.26-330 SC FUS," which is still extremely rare on the market and is the first to arrive in our store. Am I the only one who thinks the movement looks even more beautiful? (laughs)

The warranty date is 2023. There are some unnoticeable scratches, but it is in excellent condition overall and has not been polished.

The selling price is 11,880,000 yen (tax included)

Click here for the product page

A high-year model marked 2023 and equipped with a new movement is extremely rare, so if you've been looking for one, we'd love to hear from you soon so you don't miss out on this opportunity!

summary

This was the last Patek discussion of 2023. What did you think?

This year, I had the opportunity to speak with many customers, and seeing their joy made me realize once again that our commitment is only possible because of our customers. We will never forget our gratitude, and in 2024 we will continue to deliver many wonderful Patek Philippe models to you.

It's still a little early, but I hope you have a happy new year.

see you!

阿部泰治のパテック論