Damianp shares his significant decision to swap his Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5164A for a Patek Philippe Ref. 5170G chronograph. This post offers a candid look into a collector's evolving tastes and the personal journey of finding the perfect watch, emphasizing that community input can inform but ultimately, personal satisfaction drives the final choice.
A few weeks ago, I've asked the question, whether I should swap my Aquanaut travel time 5164a for a 5170g. While some were not agreeing, the majority of you was in favor of swapping it (with some good reasons behind it aswell). It took me some more time to think about it, but now I've done it. The 5164a is gone and I've got a new member in my collection. Before the swap I was really hesitating to do it, but once it was done, I even felt relieved that the 5164 is gone now. And I also called my AD yesterday to tell him, that I'm not interested in seeing the new 5168g anymore. I think the aquanaut line just isn't right for me.
But now, pictures of my new (it's actually a used one, but in excellent condition) 5170g. I'm really happy about it. It fits my taste perfectly. And while I thought at first, that the hands of the newer 5170r and p look better, I now think, that the ones of the 5170g actually fit very well. They are a good design contrast to the rest of the watch. With the hands of the 5170r on the 5170g dial, the watch would've probably been too romantic.
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5164
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5164, known as the Travel Time, introduces a dual time zone complication to the Aquanaut collection. This reference maintains the distinctive rounded octagonal case shape and integrated strap design characteristic of the Aquanaut line, while adding practical functionality for travelers. It represents a more complex offering within the Aquanaut family, catering to those who require a sophisticated yet robust timepiece for global use.
The 5164A-001 variant features a stainless steel case measuring 40.8 mm in diameter and 10.2 mm in thickness. It houses the self-winding caliber 324 S C FUS movement, which provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers water resistance up to 120 meters. The dial is typically black embossed, and the watch is secured by a composite strap with a fold-over clasp.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe with a practical complication suitable for daily wear and travel. Its stainless steel construction and composite strap make it a durable option compared to more formal complications. The Travel Time function, indicated by two skeletonized hour hands for home and local time, along with day/night indicators for both, positions the 5164 as a highly functional piece within the broader Patek Philippe sports watch catalog.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 324 S C FUS
- Case
- Stainless Steel
- Diameter
- 40.8 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 120m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo Ref. 5168
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5168 represents the 42.2mm white gold iteration within the Aquanaut collection. Distinguished by its larger case size and precious metal construction, this reference occupies a premium position in the Aquanaut lineup, offering an elevated take on the model's contemporary aesthetic.
The 42.2mm case is crafted in 18k white gold and houses the automatic caliber 324 S C movement, providing a 45-hour power reserve. The black dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the smooth bezel maintains the model's clean profile. Water resistance extends to 120 meters, and the watch is completed with a composite strap featuring a fold-over clasp.
In production since 2017, the reference 5168 appeals to collectors seeking a modern Patek Philippe sports watch in precious metal. The white gold construction and jumbo sizing distinguish this reference from smaller or steel variants within the Aquanaut range, positioning it as a substantial contemporary option for those favoring larger case proportions.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 324 S C
- Case
- 18k White Gold
- Diameter
- 42.2 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 120m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Patek Philippe Aquanaute steel Ref. 5164A
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5164A represents a significant evolution in the collection s history, introducing the brand s first travel time complication to the sporty Aquanaut line. Launched as part of Patek Philippe s expansion of the Aquanaut family beyond simple time-only models, this reference bridges the gap between the manufacture s renowned travel time expertise and contemporary sports watch design. The 5164A demonstrates Patek Philippe s commitment to bringing haute horlogerie complications to their modern steel sports watches, establishing it as a cornerstone reference that elevated the Aquanaut s status within the brand s hierarchy.
At the heart of the 5164A beats the automatic caliber 324 S C, a sophisticated movement that powers the dual time zone functionality with characteristic Patek Philippe precision. This caliber features a 21K gold rotor and delivers a power reserve of approximately 35-45 hours, while maintaining the manufacture s exacting standards for finishing and reliability. The movement enables intuitive travel time operation through pushers integrated into the case, allowing the local hour hand to advance in one-hour increments while maintaining running seconds and preserving the home time display.
The 5164A s design language perfectly embodies the Aquanaut s modern aesthetic philosophy, featuring the collection s signature embossed Tropical composite strap and the distinctive rounded octagonal case profile scaled to 40.8mm in diameter. The black dial presents exceptional legibility with applied luminous markers and the characteristic dual time zone layout, while the fixed bezel and sapphire crystal contribute to the watch s 120-meter water resistance. From a collectibility standpoint, the 5164A occupies a unique position as the sole steel Aquanaut travel time model, making it highly sought after by collectors who appreciate both the practical complications and the reference s role in defining the modern Aquanaut collection s expanding complexity.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 324 S C
- Case
- Steel
- Diameter
- 40.8mm
- Dial
- black
- Water Resist.
- 120m
- Crystal
- Sapphire