Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001
About This Watch
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 brings flyback chronograph functionality to the Aquanaut collection with an unmissable orange accent theme. The use of orange on the chronograph minute counter at 6 o'clock, the central chronograph seconds hand, and the matching orange Tropical rubber strap creates a bold, youthful aesthetic that is unlike anything else in the Patek Philippe catalog. The caliber CH 28-520 C is a column-wheel flyback chronograph that allows the timing function to be reset and immediately restarted with a single press of the reset pusher, without having to stop the chronograph first. The 42.2mm case houses the complex movement while maintaining the Aquanaut's characteristic comfort and slimness at 11.2mm thick. The black embossed dial features the Aquanaut's signature checkerboard pattern on the main dial surface, with the orange minute counter providing a striking visual contrast. This watch appeals to collectors who want the ultimate sporty Patek Philippe, one that makes no apologies for its bold design. On the secondary market, the 5968A commands extraordinary premiums, reflecting both the difficulty of obtaining one at retail and the desirability of a Patek Philippe sport chronograph.
In-Depth Review
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 brought a burst of youthful energy to a brand often associated with conservative elegance. Launched in 2018 in stainless steel with an unmistakable black and orange embossed dial and a matching Tropical composite rubber strap in vivid orange, the 5968A signaled that Patek Philippe was willing to embrace bold color and sportiness. At 42.2mm, it wears larger than the core Aquanaut time-only models, and the flyback chronograph complication adds genuine functional depth for timing events without needing to stop, reset, and restart the chronograph hand.
The automatic Caliber CH 28-520 C powering the 5968A is a column-wheel flyback chronograph movement developed and manufactured entirely by Patek Philippe. It features a vertical clutch for smooth chronograph engagement and the brand's signature Gyromax balance for precision regulation. This is serious mechanical watchmaking dressed in casual clothing. The watch competes in an unusual niche: sporty chronographs from elite manufacturers. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph and the Rolex Daytona are perhaps the closest conceptual rivals, though the Aquanaut's rubber strap and tropical color palette give it a distinctly different personality that leans more resort than racetrack.
With an MSRP of $60,170 and secondary market prices reaching approximately $120,000, the 5968A has proven to be one of the most sought-after modern Patek Philippe references. The combination of stainless steel construction, complicated movement, and striking design creates a package that appeals to younger collectors who want Patek prestige without the formality of a Calatrava or Grand Complications piece. The orange color scheme has become genuinely iconic, and as Patek Philippe introduces new dial variants in subsequent years, the original 5968A orange is likely to be remembered as the reference that brought the Aquanaut collection into the spotlight as a serious collector's watch.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Patek Philippe CH 28-520 C |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 33 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 42.2mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 11.2mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, rounded octagonal |
| Dial Color | Black and orange embossed |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 120m / 394ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Orange composite rubber strap (Tropical) |
| Clasp | Fold-over clasp |
| Weight | 100g |
| Complications |