Review
Baron - Mr Red provocatively challenges conventional Patek Philippe collecting wisdom by championing the Aquanaut Ref. 5167 as his preferred daily wearer over the Nautilus. His candid assessment of the 5167's 'un-Patek' nature sparks a lively debate, offering a refreshing perspective on modern Patek Philippe sports watches and their place in a diverse collection.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5167
The Reference 5167 represents the 40mm stainless steel iteration within Patek Philippe's Aquanaut model line. Introduced in 2007 and remaining in current production, this reference features a black dial and establishes the standard sizing for the steel Aquanaut offering.
The 40mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Caliber 324 S C movement, providing 45 hours of power reserve. The watch incorporates a sapphire crystal and smooth bezel configuration. Water resistance extends to 120 meters, while the distinctive composite rubber strap displays an embossed check pattern that complements the case design.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking contemporary Patek Philippe sports watch execution in stainless steel. The 5167 offers entry into the Aquanaut model range while maintaining the manufacturing standards associated with the Geneva manufacture. Its ongoing production status ensures availability through authorized channels for both new collectors and those expanding existing collections.
I wonder how it would look like in an all black version... Probably not great. Perhaps less elegant, but even more cool is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver watch. That's a fun watch!
It looks like a 5165, doesn't it. Aquanauts wear comfortably for sure.
Isn't the 5165 that was discontinued a few years ago just a smaller version of the 5167? I agree that the Aquanaut is one of the most versatile watches in the PP collection, moreso than the Nautilus. It doesn't scream "Look at all the complications on this watch" and yet can be worn in a variety of settings from active sports to business casual. It is probably not the best watch to wear it with a suit, but if Thierry Stern can pull it off with his 5164A, why not?
I appreciate your saying it is very un-Patek of a watch. I think many Patek fans hesitate to say that (feels derogatory to call someone else's Patek very un-Patek) and the owners of this piece rarely admit that and try to explain things like "but it has the 324 powering it, that is very Patek" etc. I appreciate that you called it like it is --- this watch is very much un-Patek! And that fact both drives a bunch of people to dislike even insult it, and drives others who find typical Pateks stuffy
.....no hesitation from me in calling the Aquanaut an un-Patek watch. No shame either! LoL. Having said that, I also think the Nautilus is also not especially Patek-like. You raise a really interesting question actually....as when one thinks of Patek, it is certainly true that a certain style of watch comes to mind. When I look at my other watches from Patek, I also see something unusual...namely that none of them are typical Pateks. Take the 5070P......there is much love on this forum for this
Baron, I like your approach :-) Oliver
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