Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001
About This Watch
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001 adds practical dual time zone functionality to the sporty Aquanaut platform. Two pushers on the left side of the case allow the local time to be adjusted forward or backward in one-hour increments, while the home time remains undisturbed on an additional hour hand. Two small windows at 7 and 11 o'clock indicate day or night for each time zone, a useful feature for knowing whether it is appropriate to call home from a different time zone. The date display is linked to the local time and advances automatically when the hour hand crosses midnight. The caliber 324 S C FUS represents one of the most practical travel complications available, combining ease of use with comprehensive dual time zone information. At 40.8mm, the case is slightly larger than the time-only Aquanaut to accommodate the additional pushers. The Travel Time mechanism is exclusive to Patek Philippe and is engineered to change the local hour hand without affecting the rate of the watch, maintaining accuracy throughout. This watch is ideal for frequent travelers who want a lightweight, comfortable timepiece that manages two time zones effortlessly.
In-Depth Review
# The Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001: Patek Philippe's Case for the Practical Traveler
When Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut collection in 1997, it signaled a deliberate pivot toward accessible luxury—a tool watch stripped of unnecessary ornamentation yet unmistakably refined. The 5164A-001 Travel Time continues this philosophy with deliberate restraint. Its 40.8mm stainless steel case houses the in-house Caliber 324 S C FUS, a chronometer-certified automatic movement delivering 45 hours of power reserve. The dual time zone function operates via a rotatable home time GMT hand, while the embossed black dial and tropical rubber strap establish genuine wearability rather than desk-bound preciousness. Water resistance reaches 120 meters—practical enough for incidental aquatic exposure, though the name somewhat overstates amphibious ambitions. The fixed octagonal bezel and tapered case proportions distinguish it from conventional sports watches, creating visual tension between sportiness and understated elegance that defines contemporary Patek Philippe strategy.
This watch targets the established professional who travels internationally and refuses to sacrifice functionality for status. Its ideal owner values precision and heritage but dismisses unnecessary complication; the dual time zone solves a genuine problem without adding chronographs or perpetual calendars that merely accumulate dust. The stainless steel case appeals to those skeptical of precious metals' ostentation while the $41,510 MSRP positions it as attainable within ultra-luxury parameters.
Against competitors like the Rolex GMT-Master II ($15,000-$18,000 retail) and Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean ($6,000-$8,000), the Aquanaut demands significant premium justification. That premium reflects Pa
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Patek Philippe 324 S C FUS |
| Power Reserve | 45 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 29 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.8mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 11.0mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, rounded octagonal |
| Dial Color | Black embossed |
| Lug-to-Lug | 45.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 120m / 394ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Composite rubber strap (Tropical) |
| Clasp | Fold-over clasp |
| Weight | 95g |
| Complications |