Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5060A-001, Steel

This ref. 5060A, is one such first series example. As the first Aquanaut reference, it’s also a historically significant piece, and features small, distinctive details only found on the earliest versions. The 5060A offered here has an early 330 SC calibre, concealed by its solid closed caseback. The date window at 3 o’clock also features stylised cursive font, which was later changed for a bolder typeface on the “Jumbo” ref. 5065. Additionally, the deployant clasp bears the “Nautilus” signature, understood to mark the transition between the two sports models.

The Aquanaut re-interprets a number of signature design elements from the Nautilus - most notably, the octagonal rounded bezel. It displays a high level of finishing, with brushed surfaces on the case front, and polished, bevelled edges. The steel, three-piece case provides water resistance up to 120m, further featuring a screw-down crown.

The black checkerboard dial has tritium-filled index markers and is embossed with silver applied numerals, and matches the texture on the rubber strap. The luminous material is tritium, and has aged to a subtle creamy tone.

The movement inside the reference 5060A is the self-winding calibre 330 SC. It features 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, shock absorber mechanism, a self-compensating flat balance spring and a monometallic balance, adjusted to cold, heat, isochronism and 5 positions. Furthermore, the solid-gold rotor is finished in classic Patek Philippe style, with circular Geneva stripes.

This Patek Philippe 5060A Aquanaut comes with its original box, Certificate of Origin and product literature.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Patek Philippe
Model:	Aquanaut Ref. 5060A-001
Movement:	mechanical, automatic-winding calibre 330 SC
Functions:	date, hours, minutes, centre seconds
Features:	closed case-back, tritium index markers, Arabic numerals, original Nautilus-signed clasp, original cursive date-disc
Case:	36.5mm stainless steel
Crystal:	sapphire front and display back
Bracelet:	black rubber strap
Year:	18th May 1998 (sale)
Box & papers:	original box (inner and outer), Certificate of Origin, product materials