The differences and appeal of the prestigious luxury sports car Nautilus and Aquanaut

Patek Philippe has two luxury sports watches: the Nautilus, designed by the genius designer Gérald Genta, and the uniquely rounded Aquanaut. We will introduce the features of each and recommend some models.

The Nautilus, the pinnacle of sports watches

The Nautilus is Patek Philippe's classic sports watch. It was born in the 1970s, a time of great uncertainty due to the rise of quartz, and it marked a new era for the watch industry.

The design was created by Gerald Genta, who also worked on Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak.

A unique form

The Nautilus is characterized by its unique shape, which makes it instantly recognizable which watch you are wearing. The octagonal bezel, which is modeled after a porthole, and the protrusions on both sides, called ears, give it a distinctive presence.

When it was first released, there was a lot of negative feedback about the stainless steel case sports watch, which was more expensive than the gold case, but as time went on, it began to be highly regarded as a luxury sports watch.

Thin and waterproof

The appeal of the Nautilus is that it combines a slim design with high water resistance. Generally, the higher the water resistance of a watch, the thicker it becomes, but the Nautilus boasts a dress watch-like thinness while still being water resistant to 120m.

The protrusions on the left and right sides, a distinctive design feature, are also important parts for enhancing water resistance. The integrated case and bezel are fixed together to ensure high water resistance.

Aquanaut, a derivative model with enhanced practicality

The Aquanaut is a sports model based on the Nautilus design, created by integrating the bezel and middle case.

We will introduce the unique features of the Aquanaut, along with the evolution from the first model to the current model.

History of the Aquanaut

The Aquanaut first appeared in 1997. It was released as a sports watch following the Nautilus. The first model was the Aquanaut 5060, which featured a solid case back and a rubber strap. Its unique design created quite a stir, but production was discontinued after just one year.

The second model is the 5065. The basic design is not significantly different from the 5060, but the case diameter has increased to 38mm. The case back has been changed from a solid back to a transparent back, allowing viewers to enjoy the precision of the Cal. 315/290 movement.

The Aquanaut Medium 5060 was also released at the same time as the 5065. While the 5065 has a 38mm diameter, the 5060 is made in a 34mm diameter.

The third generation model, the 5167, is still a beloved Aquanaut staple today. The case diameter was increased from 38mm to 40.8mm, and significant changes were made to the size of the indices and the shape of the concave and convex portion of the dial center.

It has a sportier and more advanced impression than the previous Aquanaut, and both the stainless steel model and the gold model are very popular.

A more casual design than the Nautilus

The Aquanaut's design gives it a more casual impression than the Nautilus. While both models share an octagonal bezel, the Aquanaut's bezel is rounded, giving it a more rounded shape.

There is also a big difference in the indices: while the Nautilus mainly uses bar-type indices, the Aquanaut is based on Arabic indices, giving it a sportier look while still maintaining its sophisticated feel.

The brand's first rubber strap

Patek Philippe's standard straps are leather straps and metal bracelets, but with the release of the Aquanaut, the brand is introducing a rubber strap for the first time.

The rubber strap used on the Aquanaut is a high-tech composite material called a "tropical band" that combines two or more materials, making it water-resistant, torn-off, and UV-resistant.

Recommended Nautilus Models

The Nautilus, a representative luxury sports watch, exudes elegance while possessing unique details. There are a wide variety of variations, from simple three-hand models to grand complications, and each model is captivating with its refined appearance.

Reinterpreting the iconic design "5811/1G-001"

The "5811/1G-001" is a model that was created as the successor to the 5711/1A-10, a beloved classic in the Nautilus lineup. While the basic design follows that of the 5711/1A-10, the 5811/1G-001 uses white gold instead of stainless steel.

The adoption of white gold enhances the sense of luxury and marks a new chapter in the history of the Nautilus. The case diameter has been increased to 41mm, and it uses the same two-piece case as the original model. Although it is a new model, it still has a classic feel.

Equipped with multiple complex mechanisms "5740/1G-001"

The collection's first Grand Complication model, the 5740/1G-001, is a luxurious piece equipped with an annual calendar and moon phase.

The case is an ultra-thin 8.42mm, and its sophisticated appearance is worthy of the name of a luxury sports watch. The movement is the ultra-thin Cal. 240 Q. It is water resistant to 6 bar, making it highly practical.

Flyback Chronograph "5980/1AR-001"

The "5980/1AR-001" is an anniversary model released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the birth of the Nautilus, and features a gorgeous stainless steel and rose gold finish.

It is equipped with the flyback chronograph movement Cal. CH 28 520 C with a date display function. The folding buckle with adjustment system is patented. The case back is transparent, so those who want to enjoy the delicate movement of the movement will be satisfied.

Recommended Aquanaut models

The appeal of the Aquanaut is that it exudes presence in casual settings. Like the Nautilus, it is a luxury sports watch of the highest quality, but the Aquanaut gives off a more active impression. Check out our recommended models to find one that suits your taste.

Black and silver contrast "5167A-001"

The 5167A-001, with its beautiful contrast between stainless steel and the black dial, has become a popular classic Aquanaut model.

Its greatest feature is the uneven lattice dial design, which gives it a more modern feel than the first and second models.

The movement is Cal. 26-330 SC with a date display function, and it is also extremely water resistant to 12 bar.

Casual accents "5968A-001"

The 5968A-001 is a model with a more casual feel among the Aquanaut models. Equipped with the flyback chronograph movement Cal. CH 28-520 C/528, it is also highly functional.

The orange chronograph hands give the watch a lively impression, and the included orange and black rubber straps allow you to change the look by switching them out. Choose the strap that best suits your outfit or mood.

Travel Time Model "5164R-001"

The Travel Time 5164R-001 features a dual time zone mechanism that displays the time at both the departure point and the local time. It can be said to be one of the masterpieces of the Aquanaut line.

The combination of the rose gold case and embossed brown dial creates a glamorous yet subdued atmosphere. Despite being a complex model, it offers excellent legibility and is suitable for business settings, making it a major attraction.

Get your hands on an elegant luxury sports car that is the pride of this prestigious brand.

The Nautilus and Aquanaut are recommended for watch enthusiasts who are not satisfied with ordinary sports watches. Not only are they elegant watches, but they also have functionality and practicality, and are highly regarded. Once you get your hands on one, you will be captivated by their charm.

In addition to the models introduced here, there are many other variations of the Nautilus and Aquanaut. We hope you will choose a watch that you can enjoy for a long time while thinking about the evolution of each model.