Keks shares his initial impressions of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5650G Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time, a 2017 release that garnered mixed reactions. He highlights its technical advancements, water resistance, and the innovative open dial, inviting the community to discuss this unconventional Patek Philippe.
One of the less loved new releases 2017 judging by most comments.
Personally I found it very appealing from the first moment I saw it on pictures and read the technical details. I really like how an advanced research movement is being used in a sports watch with a water resistance of more than 100m. Personally I would have liked to see it cased in titanium (or steel for that matter) but one can not have it all.
With regards to the open dial I can appreciate how Patek wanted to showcase this advancement in component used for the travel time complication. Looking at it side by side against the components for operating the travel time in the 5164 really illustrates how fantastic this is. Please have a look at picture of the two movements side by side below.
Part of me wish more of the dial would have been open to balance the openness out. Would have been cool to have a skeletonized dial, perhaps with some blue details to match the strap. Alternatively they could perhaps have opened it under the travel time butterfly component to reduce the mechanical silver color being visible, but I am not a mechanic so not sure what is practically possible.
Accuracy of this level is also quite amazing.
All in all a fantastic release in my opinion. I can fully appreciate it is not for everyone, but that is perfectly fine. When the pilot travel time was released last year sentiment was mixed to say the least. Now most who have handled it in the real have expressed positive thoughts and some have even placed an order for one. I am not necessarily anticipating the same development in sentiment for this reference as it is quite unconventional, especially coming from the house of Patek. But I do expect there are some converts lurking, time will tell I suppose!
Well, just wanted to share some quick thoughts on this reference. This 5650G and 5170P being my clear favorite releases this year.
If you have a moment, have a look at this very short video at the end of the post. Looks pretty darn good in action I would say.
Any other appreciators out there or just dislikers here?
_____________________
Instagram: kekspateks

5650G (left) 5164A (right)
Edit: video link fixed
This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2017-04-03 14:31:28
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Reference 5524
The Reference 5524 represents Patek Philippe's Calatrava Pilot Travel Time model in 18k white gold with black dial configuration. This 42mm reference distinguishes itself within the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time range through its precious metal case construction and contrasting dial color combination.
The watch features a 42mm case crafted from 18k white gold with polished bezel treatment. The black dial is protected by sapphire crystal, with the case offering 60-meter water resistance. The automatic Caliber 324 S C movement provides 45 hours of power reserve. The watch is completed with a calfskin leather strap secured by a fold-over clasp.
In production since 2015, the Reference 5524 appeals to collectors seeking a larger-format Patek Philippe dress watch with travel functionality. The white gold case material and 42mm diameter position this reference within the contemporary segment of the manufacture's catalog, catering to preferences for substantial case presence and precious metal construction.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 324 S C
- Case
- 18k White Gold
- Diameter
- 42 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 60m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5650
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5650G, known as the Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time, represents a technical exploration within the Aquanaut collection. This particular reference showcases Patek Philippe's ongoing commitment to material science and horological innovation, integrating novel advancements into a familiar and popular design. It stands apart from standard Aquanaut models due to its specific technical enhancements rather than purely aesthetic variations, positioning it as a significant piece for those interested in the brand's research and development efforts.
This timepiece features a white gold case, housing a self-winding movement. A notable characteristic is the use of a compliant mechanism for the second time zone correction, replacing traditional pivots and springs with flexible blades. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front and an exhibition case back, allowing a view of the movement. Its design maintains the robust yet refined character associated with the Aquanaut line, while subtly incorporating the advanced research elements.
For collectors, the 5650G is particularly relevant due to its limited production and the incorporation of experimental technologies. It appeals to those who value mechanical innovation and the forward-thinking aspects of watchmaking. As an Advanced Research model, it offers a glimpse into potential future directions for Patek Philippe's movement architecture and material applications, making it a distinct and sought-after piece within the broader Patek Philippe catalog.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Caliber 324 S C FUS
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 40.8 mm
- Dial
- Blue embossed
- Water Resist.
- 120 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Patek Philippe Aquanaute steel Ref. 5164A
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5164A represents a significant evolution in the collection s history, introducing the brand s first travel time complication to the sporty Aquanaut line. Launched as part of Patek Philippe s expansion of the Aquanaut family beyond simple time-only models, this reference bridges the gap between the manufacture s renowned travel time expertise and contemporary sports watch design. The 5164A demonstrates Patek Philippe s commitment to bringing haute horlogerie complications to their modern steel sports watches, establishing it as a cornerstone reference that elevated the Aquanaut s status within the brand s hierarchy.
At the heart of the 5164A beats the automatic caliber 324 S C, a sophisticated movement that powers the dual time zone functionality with characteristic Patek Philippe precision. This caliber features a 21K gold rotor and delivers a power reserve of approximately 35-45 hours, while maintaining the manufacture s exacting standards for finishing and reliability. The movement enables intuitive travel time operation through pushers integrated into the case, allowing the local hour hand to advance in one-hour increments while maintaining running seconds and preserving the home time display.
The 5164A s design language perfectly embodies the Aquanaut s modern aesthetic philosophy, featuring the collection s signature embossed Tropical composite strap and the distinctive rounded octagonal case profile scaled to 40.8mm in diameter. The black dial presents exceptional legibility with applied luminous markers and the characteristic dual time zone layout, while the fixed bezel and sapphire crystal contribute to the watch s 120-meter water resistance. From a collectibility standpoint, the 5164A occupies a unique position as the sole steel Aquanaut travel time model, making it highly sought after by collectors who appreciate both the practical complications and the reference s role in defining the modern Aquanaut collection s expanding complexity.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 324 S C
- Case
- Steel
- Diameter
- 40.8mm
- Dial
- black
- Water Resist.
- 120m
- Crystal
- Sapphire