Patek Philippe, the epitome of luxury watchmaking, has elevated the essence of timekeeping with the release of their latest masterpieces – the revamped Aquanaut and Nautilus collections. Stepping beyond the conventional, these timepieces marry sophistication with vibrant aesthetics, redefining contemporary casual elegance.
Aquanaut Luce Takes Center Stage:
At the forefront is the Aquanaut (Ref. 5260) series, where Patek Philippe introduces a Grand Complication for ladies, the 5260/1455R. A Haute Joaillerie minute repeater adorned with 130 baguette-cut diamonds on the dial and a mesmerising rainbow of 779 multicoloured baguette-cut sapphires on the bezel, case, and bracelet. The invisible setting technique showcases the brand’s commitment to artistry, complemented by a self-winding R 27 caliber.
5260/1455R – GRAND COMPLICATIONS SELF-WINDING:
WATCH: Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber R 27. Minute repeater with two classic gongs.
DIAL: Paved with baguette-cut diamonds (invisible setting), multicoloured baguette-sapphire hour markers and baguette-diamond hour ring. 18K gold dial plate.
CASE: Rose gold. Sapphire crystal case back. Humidity- and dust-protected only (not water-resistant). Diameter (10–4 o’clock): 38.8 mm. Thickness: 10.7 mm.
GEMSETTING: 90 baguette diamonds: 5.73 cts. (dial). 12 multicoloured baguette sapphires: 1.08 ct. (hour markers). 8 baguette sapphires/rubies: 0.06 ct. / 1 diamond: 0.01 ct. (hands). 40 baguette diamonds: 2.93 cts. (bezel). 109 multicoloured baguette sapphires: 5.57 cts. (bezel, caseband, slide piece). 650 multicoloured baguette sapphires: 38.34 cts. (bracelet). Total of 779 multicoloured baguette sapphires (45.05 cts) and 131 diamonds (8.67 cts).
BRACELET: Rose gold paved with multicoloured baguette-cut sapphires. Patented fold-over clasp set with sapphires.
Another variant, the 5260/355R, continues the saga with a minute repeater adorned with 52 multicoloured baguette-cut sapphires and a captivating dial combining baguette-cut diamonds and snow-set brilliant-cut diamonds. This model boasts ultra-resistant composite straps in matte beige, matte white, and red, featuring a rose gold patented fold-over clasp set with baguette-cut diamonds.
5260/355R – GRAND COMPLICATIONS SELF-WINDING:
WATCH: Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber R 27. Minute repeater with two classic gongs.
DIAL: Paved with baguette-cut diamonds (invisible setting), multicoloured baguette-cut sapphire hour markers and hour ring set with diamonds (snow setting). 18K gold dial plate.
CASE: Rose gold. Sapphire crystal case back. Humidity- and dust-protected only (not water-resistant). Diameter (10–4 o’clock): 38.8 mm. Height: 10.1 mm.
GEMSETTING: 54 baguette-cut diamonds: 3.52 cts. (dial). 160 diamonds: 0.72 ct. (hour ring). 12 baguette multicoloured sapphires: 0.59 ct. (hour markers). 40 baguette multicoloured sapphires: 2.6 cts (bezel). 40 baguette diamonds: 2.85 cts. (bezel). 8 baguette diamonds: 0.58 cts (lugs). 10 baguette diamonds: 0.36 ct. (clasp). Total of 52 baguette multicoloured sapphires (3.19 cts), 112 baguette diamonds (7.31 cts) and 160 diamonds (0.72 ct).
STRAP: Composite material, matte beige (originally fitted). Composite material, matte white or red (additional straps). Diamond-set patented fold-over clasp.
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Haute Joaillerie Nautilus Beauties:
Patek Philippe extends the extravagance to the Nautilus (Ref. 7118) collection, where three new models showcase gemsetting mastery. The 7118/1451G, 7118/1452G, and 7118/1453G feature white gold cases adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds and either blue sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. The snow-setting technique, visible through transparent sapphire case-backs, highlights the iconic Nautilus design. The bracelets feature the patented Patek Philippe fold-over clasp secured by four independent catches.
7118/1451G, 7118/1452G and 7118/1453G – NAUTILUS SELF-WINDING:
WATCH: Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 26‑330 S. Sweep seconds.
DIAL: Paved with diamonds, “wave” pattern, ogival-shaped white gold hour markers set with blue sapphires/ rubies/ emeralds. 18K gold dial plate.
CASE: White gold, paved with diamonds and rubies. Sapphire crystal case back. Water-resistant to 30 m. Diameter (10–4 o’clock): 35.2 mm. Height: 8.65 mm.
GEMSETTING: Fully paved with diamonds and sapphires/ rubies/ emeralds. 283 diamonds: 1.07 ct. (dial). 12 sapphires/ rubies/ emeralds: 0.37 ct. (hour markers). 241 diamonds: 1.08 ct. (case). 367 diamonds: 2.28 cts. (bezel). 976 diamonds: 4.38 cts. (bracelet). 497 sapphires/ rubies/ emeralds: 3.93 cts. (bracelet). Total of 1,500 diamonds (6.53 cts) and 876 sapphires/ rubies/ emeralds (6.58 cts).
BRACELET: White gold, paved with diamonds and sapphires/ rubies/ emeralds. Patented diamond-set fold-over clasp.
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7010Rs – The Pinnacle of Quartz Elegance:
For those seeking precision and grace, the Nautilus Quartz models (Ref. 7010R) stand out. The 7010/1R-013 boasts a purple lacquered dial with the iconic wave pattern, illuminated by a row of brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel. The 7010R takes a refined approach with a gemset bezel and a purple lacquered dial, harmonising with the ultra-resistant composite strap and rose gold Nautilus fold-over clasp.
7010/1R-013 – NAUTILUS QUARTZ:
WATCH: Quartz movement. Caliber E 23‑250 S C. Date in an aperture. Sweep seconds.
DIAL: Lacquered purple, “wave” motif, rose gold applied ogival-shaped hour markers and numerals with white luminescent coating.
CASE: Rose gold. Solid case back. Water-resistant to 60 m. Case diameter (10–4 o’clock): 32 mm. Thickness: 6.9 mm.
GEMSETTING: 46 diamonds: 0.8 ct. (bezel).
BRACELET: Rose gold. Patented fold-over clasp with lockable adjustment system.
7010R-013 – NAUTILUS QUARTZ:
WATCH: Quartz movement. Caliber E 23‑250 S C. Date in an aperture. Sweep seconds.
DIAL: Lacquered purple, “wave” motif, rose gold applied ogival-shaped hour markers and numerals with white luminescent coating.
CASE: Rose gold. Solid case back. Water-resistant to 60 m. Case diameter (10-4 o’clock): 32 mm. Thickness: 6.9 mm.
GEMSETTING: 46 diamonds: 0.8 ct. (bezel).
STRAP: Composite material with fabric pattern, purple. Nautilus fold-over clasp.
In essence, Patek Philippe’s new Aquanaut and Nautilus models transcend mere timekeeping; they are wearable works of art that seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary flair, making a bold statement on the wrists of those who appreciate the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship.
Source: Patek Philippe