Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1998
    Reference No: 5066A-010
    Movement No: 3’025’537
    Case No: 4’054’933
    Model Name: Aquanaut “Japan”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 330 SC aut., 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rubber
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by blank Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Patek Philippe Japan service guarantee, product literature, leather folio, slip case, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5060, initially released in 1997 was the first wristwatch from the brand to be fitted with a rubber strap. The well-received model was first released as a limited edition of 1,000 pieces to commemorate the renowned Nautilus' 20th anniversary. The timepiece directly takes its inspiration from the Nautilus. Later examples were fitted with sapphire casebacks proudly showcasing the durable self-winding caliber with straight line lever escapement and a solid gold rotor, which was the same as early instances of the reference from the late 1990s.

    Rare and sought-after, the present Patek Philippe ref. 5066 with a blue dial was released after the original version in very small quantities exclusively for the Japanese market. As observed from the service seal the watch is offered in excellent overall condition of both case and dial. Given the small amount of production of "Japan Edition" that are known to exist on the open market, it's safe to say that this is a rare opportunity to add one of the most unusual and charismatic Aquanaut models in one's collection.

    Offered with its complete set of accessories including a blank Certificate of Origin, Patek Philippe Japan service guarantee and its original presentation box, the present ref. 5066A-010 is a great opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the rarest variants of the model in stainless steel. To our knowledge and through research, the present lot is previously unknown example and is the 12th example of the reference to appear at auction.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

    View More Works

995

Ref. 5066A-010
A very fine and rare limited edition stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue dial, Certificate or Origin and presentation box, made for the Japanese Market

Circa 1998
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$390,000 - 640,000 
€45,000-73,900
$50,000-82,100

Sold for HK$685,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023