It is difficult to revisit a watch model that has become iconic. However, Patek Philippe has managed to surprise us with its very first Aquanaut Chronograph adorned with rose gold. A precious alloy that breathes new life into this iconic collection launched almost 30 years ago. According to Thierry Stern, President of the family-owned manufacture, such developments and the emergence of new collections are opportunities for the brand to “innovate and express itself”. A winning bet given the success of this variation of the Aquanaut, demand for which unsurprisingly exceeded supply. Featuring a brown ’sunburst’ dial with black gradient and a matching composite material bracelet, the Aquanaut Chronograph reference 5968R boasts no less than 308 components, a 42.2mm diameter case waterproof to 120m, an octagonal bezel with contrasting polished satin finishes that highlight the watch’s aesthetics, and an automatic winding flyback chronograph caliber. Yet, this model does not disown its roots and retains key markers such as the chronograph indications which stand out in white on the embossed relief, typical of the Aquanaut.
