Orders are already pouring in for Patek Philippe's first women's Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Minute Repeater High Jewelry.

Patek Philippe has introduced its first minute repeater into the Aquanaut collection. The choice is for the women's Aquanaut Luce. Expanding the repertoire of ladies' timepieces, this new model comes in two high jewelry versions in rose gold, adorned with baguette-cut multicolored sapphires and diamonds in an invisible setting, creating a rainbow-like sparkle. Due to limited production numbers, the Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Minute Repeater High Jewelry Ref. 5260/1455R-001 will be available exclusively at Patek Philippe salons in Geneva, Paris, and London during the introductory phase.

Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Minute Repeater High Jewelry Model 5260/355R-001

　The unique shape of the Aquanaut's octagonal bezel is accentuated by two rows of baguette-cut precious stones, set using the sophisticated "invisible setting" technique. Each stone has a special transverse groove that allows it to be embedded in a tiny gold rail (which becomes invisible once set). This process requires the gem-setter's exceptional skill. The slightly tilted outer row is made up of diamonds, while the inner row is made up of carefully selected multicolored sapphires, creating a perfect rainbow gradient. Baguette-cut diamonds sparkle on the lugs.

A huge number of baguette cuts and snow-setting dials

　The dial features an elegant geometric pattern, delicately showcasing the shapes and settings of the gemstones. The centerpiece is invisibly set with baguette-cut diamonds, reminiscent of the embossed motif on the Aquanaut Luce. The hour ring is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds in a snow setting, a sophisticated technique in which the gem-setter combines stones of different diameters to minimize the amount of visible gold between them. Twelve multicolored sapphire hour markers, matching the gradient of the bezel, and rose gold baton-style hour and minute hands with white luminous coating ensure optimal legibility.

Pure Top Wesselton diamonds and the finest sapphires

　Like all Patek Philippe precious timepieces, the gem setting complies with the strict Patek Philippe Seal certification criteria, using pure Top Wesselton diamonds and the highest quality sapphires, with perfect stone cutting and setting methods that guarantee both excellent retention and a smooth surface feel.

　The automatic movement, Caliber R 27, features two classic gongs that can be used to strike the hours, quarters (15 minutes) and fractional minutes at any time by simply operating the slide on the left side of the case. The sophisticated architecture and meticulous finishing of the 22K gold guilloched off-center micro-rotor can be admired through the sapphire-crystal case back.

　The watch comes with three bands made of extremely durable composite material, each decorated with an embossed Aquanaut motif: matte beige (installed), matte white, and red (included). The patented Patek Philippe rose gold fold-over buckle with four independent clasps is set with baguette-cut diamonds for maximum security.

The Aquanaut debuted in 1997

　The Aquanaut debuted in 1997, drawing inspiration from the famed Nautilus. With its youthful, original, and dynamic design, highlighted by its dial and matching composite strap, the Aquanaut quickly established itself as a timepiece for lovers of a casual yet sophisticated lifestyle. It remains one of the most sought-after women's models today. Today, the basic model, powered by a self-winding mechanical movement and featuring hours, minutes, seconds, and a date display, is available in stainless steel, rose gold (Ref. 5167), and jumbo white gold (Ref. 5168).

　For many years, men's Aquanauts have also featured complications. Since 2011, Patek Philippe has offered an automatic model (Ref. 5164) with the exclusive Travel Time Dual Time Zone mechanism and a date display synchronized to the local time. The 2018 collection introduced an automatic flyback chronograph model (Ref. 5968).

The Aquanaut Luce 5269/200R model, first released in 2022

　Over the past two years, the Aquanaut Luce has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, adding complications similar to those offered by the men's Aquanaut. In 2021, a quartz movement model with a Travel Time dual time zone function (Ref. 5269) was released. In 2022, an automatic flyback chronograph (Ref. 7968) decorated with diamonds and multicolored sapphires was introduced. This trend continues in spring 2023 with the introduction of a non-jeweled rose gold version (Ref. 5261) featuring the company's patented annual calendar.

This spring's new "Aquanaut 5261 Model"

The splendor of colored stones and the skill of invisible setting

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Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Minute Repeater High Jewelry Model 5260/1455R-001

　The new Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Minute Repeater High Jewelry Ref. 5260/1455R-001 features 130 baguette-cut diamonds (8.66 carats) set across the dial and on the outer bezel, while 779 multicolored baguette-cut sapphires (45.05 carats) set on the inner bezel, case flanks, minute repeater slide piece, and rose gold bracelet, lend a rainbow glow.

Stunning multicolored baguette-cut sapphires and diamonds

Perfect gradation of colored stones

　To further enhance the brilliance of this rare timepiece, Patek Philippe has employed the sophisticated technique of "invisible setting" to set the center of the dial, the two rows of precious stones on the bezel, the sides of the case, and the central links and sides of the bracelet. The selection of colored stones requires the expertise of the finest gemologists to achieve a perfect gradation.

　The dial stands out for its excellent legibility, a requirement for all Patek Philippe timepieces, even those fully gem-set. It features 12 multicolored baguette-cut sapphires for the hour markers, a baguette-cut diamond hour ring, three baguette-cut rubies for the hour hand, and five baguette-cut blue sapphires for the minute hand. The hollow shafts for the hour and minute hands are set with brilliant-cut diamonds.

　The rose gold bracelet is fitted with a patented Patek Philippe fold-over clasp with four independent clasps for added security.