Yasuharu Abe's Theory of Patek Philippe - Part 6 - Aquanaut II

阿部泰治のパテック論コミット銀座

Hello everyone.

Before we know it, May is over. As it's the end of the month, I was thinking about what happened last year, and May 2019 was the month when the era name changed to "Reiwa". Due to the influence of the coronavirus, it's easy to forget many things, but looking back, it feels like there were a lot of amazing topics in the watch industry in the past year. The collapse of the watch bubble from June to September 2019, the rise in prices due to the shortage of parallel imports due to the Hong Kong demonstrations and the deterioration of relations with Korea, the large price cuts from February to March 2020 due to the coronavirus, the postponement of new product announcements by various companies, the cancellation of overseas auctions, etc., I feel that it has been a year full of unprecedented fluctuations and unusual events. It is very difficult to see the future trend of actual prices, but I wonder if we have no choice but to face each product sincerely? I feel that every day.

I know this introduction is a bit long, but what I can do is to provide you with useful information about watches. This time, I will continue from last time and write about the Aquanaut, mainly focusing on the current model, so I hope you enjoy it.

【table of contents】
  • ◆ Aquanaut "Ref.5165A" "Ref.5167A"
  • ◆ [Aquanaut][Aquanaut] Variant Collection

    Next, we will talk about the derivative models of the Aquanaut. The Aquanaut Travel Time "Ref. 5164A" was born in 2011.

    *5164A

    With a second time zone display with day/night indicator and a pointer date function, this watch is sporty yet can also be used in business situations. In 2016, the 18K RG case "Ref. 5164R" will also be released. Gold is a gorgeous material, but Patek Philippe's RG is not gaudy, and the dial and tropical strap are the same color brown, giving it a soft impression. By the way, it doesn't suit me, but it's my favorite Aquanaut model. (lol)

    The following year, in 2017, the "Ref. 5168G-001" was released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut.

    *5168G-001

    The "Jumbo" has an 18KWG case that is 42mm, which is slightly larger than the regular 40mm size, and its bright blue dial and composite strap make it even more eye-catching.

    The following year, in 2019, a new khaki green color, "Ref. 5168G-010," was released.

    *5168G-010

    It is said that the combination of this dial and khaki green composite strap actually originated from a very small number of "Ref. 5167A" watches produced for VIP customers around 2010-2011. Those familiar with the industry may remember that when the Aquanaut had not yet risen in price, it was sold at auction for over 5 million yen. Again, this is my personal opinion, but for military enthusiasts, this matte khaki green color scheme is very attractive. (Laughs) Commit only carries a few of these watches, and as they are not yet available on the market, I'm sure there are many people who would like to own one.

    Finally, the collection's first chronograph model, the Ref. 5968A, was released in 2018.

    *5968A-001

    The dial features a beautiful embossed motif with a black gradation, and the bright orange chronograph display (center second hand and 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, etc.) creates a beautiful three-dimensional effect. In addition to the black composite strap, an orange strap is also included, giving the watch a completely different look. This is a popular model that is hard to come by and sells out quickly even in our store.

    summary

    I have written about the popular models that are so synonymous with Patek Philippe, the Nautilus and Aquanaut. What did you think? As I write about them, I am reminded of new points and how cool they are. (laughs)

    So what should you focus on when choosing a watch? Perhaps I have made you confused. However, a "good" watch is still a "good" watch. I hope I have been able to convey the reason why this watch is called a "high-class watch."

    There are many more things I would like to tell you, but I hope you will save them for when you come to the store. From next time, I will talk about the appeal of Patek Philippe from a different perspective, so please look forward to it.

Tags: 阿部泰治のパテック論