The Unexpected Call: Acquiring a Patek Philippe Aquanaut in Today's Market

One day just one watch · 2021-06-13T12:38:56Z

Discover the Patek Philippe Aquanaut's allure through a collector's unexpected acquisition. Insights on AD policies, market dynamics, and the watch's rugged elegance.

One day just one watch

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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In a testament to the enduring allure of Patek Philippe's most sought-after references, 'One day just one watch' shares the unexpected acquisition of a Patek Philippe Aquanaut. This article delves into the unique journey of obtaining such a coveted timepiece, offering a rare glimpse into the client experience and the watch's intrinsic appeal. His personal account provides valuable context for collectors navigating the current luxury watch market.

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Last Wednesday I received a phonecall from a jeweller I did not expect. They told me they had just received a shipment from Patek Philippe and there was a Aquanaut with my name on it and they asked me if I was still interested in buying it. To be honest I had completely forgotten about it and as it turned out it was more than two years ago when I visited that jeweller and I asked for this watch. In the mean time the price has gone up significantly, so I had to sell another watch to get the funds to buy this one. But it was a no brainer. This version of the Aquanaut with the sun shining on it, it is gorgeous!!! Have a look for yourself.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut, particularly the rose gold reference, is celebrated for its ruggedness and versatility, making it suitable for diverse situations, a quality that distinguishes it from the more delicate Nautilus.
Some Authorized Dealers (ADs) in the UK reportedly impose a policy requiring customers to purchase two non-sports Patek Philippe watches before being eligible for a sports model, a practice the original author's AD did not follow.
Patek Philippe generally requires a list of prior purchases for 'application' pieces, but the Aquanaut 5167R is not considered an application piece, meaning ADs can sell it without Patek's direct approval, unless the customer has a history of flipping watches.
The original author's experience of being called for an Aquanaut after a two-year wait and successfully selling another watch within a week to fund the purchase is considered exceptionally fortunate in the current market.
The original author notes that jewelers in the Netherlands have begun buying watches from customers for resale as pre-owned, facilitating trade-ins and upgrades, which benefits both customers and retailers.
An early encounter with a steel Aquanaut worn by a military Colonel highlighted its durability and suitability for all situations, even with heavy use, underscoring its design intent as a robust luxury timepiece.

The Discussion

Jun 13, 2021

Wow, you are so fortunate to get the "call". Congrats on the great piece. The first time I handled an Aquanaut was when a Colonel in the army showed me his steel Aquanaut, which he wore with his military uniform. It was a gift from his wife. He wore it rough and even the tropical strap had been slightly torn from heavy use. That was almost 15 years ago, and it was SGD$23K back then, a hefty price. The memory is priceless - a ultra lux timepiece meant to be worn in all situations.

GLau

Jun 13, 2021

The dial matches the rose gold case very well and this aquanaut looks great on your wrist ! The trade was well done !

Yves007

Jun 14, 2021

And the way I see it, you are lucky twice! A) Being called by your AD, only 2 years later is almost a miracle. B) Selling a timepiece in about one week, that is almost a miracle too. Unless you have a special recipe to successfully achieve it. Enjoy your new PP

One day just one watch

Jun 14, 2021

Totally agree with that Colonel, it is meant to be worn in all situations although I know mine won’t be ending up in situations that can compete with what the Colonels Aquanaut might have gone through 😬

One day just one watch

Jun 14, 2021

This time I did not have to think about letting one go for a second. Maybe I will regret it in the future, but then I look at this Aquanaut and forget about the other one in a split second😉

One day just one watch

Jun 14, 2021

I used to have the stainless steel Aquanaut years ago but somehow it did not have the wow factor this one has for me. With this rose gold I keep staring at it and it combines beautifully with the brown dial and strap.

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The Unexpected Call: Acquiring a Patek Philippe Aquanaut in Today's Market

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