Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A Owner's Review

Musigny82 · 2016-12-14T07:36:27Z

Musigny82 reviews the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A: wearability, dial dynamics, movement finishing, and strap fit after three months of ownership.

Musigny82

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

22 replies17096 views5 photos

Musigny82 offers a candid, non-technical owner's review of his Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167A after three months of ownership. His article focuses on the real-world wearing experience, highlighting the watch's versatility, aesthetic nuances, and subtle elegance, providing valuable insights for potential owners.

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Dear all,

This is my first review on WatchProSite. I am going to give a no non-sense, non-technical actual wearing experience on my 5167A which I brought in September here. I believe a 3 month ownership is enough for me to write a honest review of this watch.

First thing first, I love this watch. To me this is a solidly built, multi-purpose (more on this later) and elegant piece.

The dial, which can look a bit simple and even boring on photos, shines with different lightings. I could keep looking at the dial all day long as it absorbs and reflects the surrounding lightings so well that it looks almost a bit different every time you look at it. At one point it is black, another moment it becomes grey or even silver. That's a real candy to the eyes.

The bezel is beautiful as well. So so so well polished (and thus also attract scratches easily, but be relax, that's normal!). It does not feel shy when it shines.

The movement is a joy to look at as well. Everything is perfectly polished. Put it side by side with my Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde and the movement of this 5167 looks far far better than the JD. I have raised my standard of the movement decoration after I have seen the movement of 5167. Don't ask me why, but I think it is this "je ne sais quoi" beauty which makes PP stands out from the other brands.

In terms of wearability, well, it is NOT a dress watch. Yet I think it goes pretty well with suits nevertheless (see photo). Let's face it, this is not a perfect match but it will not destroy your professional look with a suit. It's a bit like pairing a light elegant Pinot Noir with a grilled salmon. Not perfect, but it works.

Also bear in mind that this is not a show off watch. For the last three months (I worn it every other day) it only got spotted once by my guest that it is indeed a nice piece. It is a Patek, it should be subtly elegant, even as a sport watch.

This only down side of this watch (only for me) is the tropical strap. Since my wrist is really really skinny, when I am wearing this watch the both side of strap attaching the lugs actually "bump out" a bit from my wrist. Which means the strap could never perfectly attach to my wrist. But this is my own problem and it has nothing to do with the design and quality of the watch.

I hope you enjoy my humble review and please drop a line if you have any thoughts!

Cheers.

Nig

It goes fairly well with suits. But you got something better of course.

Watch by Patek Philippe, aquanaut, 5167

Top notch polishing, everywhere.

Watch by Patek Philippe, aquanaut, 5167

About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5167

The Reference 5167 represents the 40mm stainless steel iteration within Patek Philippe's Aquanaut model line. Introduced in 2007 and remaining in current production, this reference features a black dial and establishes the standard sizing for the steel Aquanaut offering.

The 40mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Caliber 324 S C movement, providing 45 hours of power reserve. The watch incorporates a sapphire crystal and smooth bezel configuration. Water resistance extends to 120 meters, while the distinctive composite rubber strap displays an embossed check pattern that complements the case design.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking contemporary Patek Philippe sports watch execution in stainless steel. The 5167 offers entry into the Aquanaut model range while maintaining the manufacturing standards associated with the Geneva manufacture. Its ongoing production status ensures availability through authorized channels for both new collectors and those expanding existing collections.

Specifications

Caliber: 324 S C

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Aquanaut's bezel is highly polished and prone to scratches, but Patek Philippe service centers sometimes discourage refinishing, referring to wear marks as 'patina' to be embraced.
The Aquanaut 5167A is considered a versatile watch, suitable for both casual wear and formal occasions like business meetings, despite not being a traditional dress watch.
The dial of the 5167A is highly dynamic, appearing black, grey, or silver depending on the lighting, which adds to its visual appeal and prevents it from looking boring.
The movement decoration of the 5167A is highly praised, with perfect polishing that elevates the standard of movement aesthetics compared to other brands.
The tropical strap on the 5167A may not fit perfectly on very skinny wrists, causing the strap to 'bump out' from the wrist, which is a personal fit issue rather than a design flaw.
The Aquanaut is a robust sports watch, capable of handling activities like swimming, diving, and gym use, making it a reliable choice for various environments.

The Discussion

GLau

Dec 14, 2016

Hi Nig, thanks for an informative review, along with...

...very nice photos ! This reference is versatile. I have seen different versions of the aquanaut being worn with suits by investment bankers and private equity professionals, and it works ! Congrats on owning this piece. Cheers, Gordon

Poky

Dec 14, 2016

I really like this watch

Which is why I am desperately trying to get it right now since I've had it serviced/refurbished. Yours looks beautiful.

Musigny82

Dec 14, 2016

How long will your service takes? [nt]

Poky

Dec 15, 2016

The service took 4 months (UK)

but there were problems when I got the watch, with the refurbishing (I strongly advise you to look after it and never get it refurbished), dial and rotor. They replaced the case as I insisted on it, it was very badly done. I am waiting to see what happens with the dial and rotor. This was all done through the Patek AD in the UK.

Maltie

Dec 14, 2016

Great review

And it loves the water too

amanico

Dec 14, 2016

Thanks for this very interesting review and great pictures, too.

A question: Isn't the bezel a bit scratch magnet? From your pictures, it can be considered as a quite polyvalent watch. Dressy, and casual, I mean. Thanks! I am looking forward to reading your next reviews. Nicolas