Comments:
Having owned both the 5168G Khaki Green and 5968A steel chrono and worn both many times I thought a comparison might be fun and hopefully interesting.
As background, when the Aquanaut was first introduced in the 1990s for me it was definitely not love at first sight ….. far from. But over a period of many years I went from indifference to appreciation to love.
It took me quite a while to acquire each of these watches after the individual decisions were made, but eventually it happened.
The 5168 while 42.2 mm like the 5968, is much much thinner (8.25mm to 11.9). Although made of gold, subjectively speaking the 5168 wears lighter. I like that nothing protrudes from the case other than the crown. I like that the date is set from the crown. There is no need for a setting pin (which creates the possibility of scratching the watch) and is simpler and easier IMO to set. While both 42.2 mm watches are large for my 16.5 cm / 6.5” wrist I like the large size which goes with the military style. I love the vibrant khaki green hue which is much brighter and for me more beautiful than the green dial color on Nautilus and Cubitus. I like that it is a sweep seconds.
The 5968A is a big watch n every way but I am ok with that. A lot of presence on the wrist. Wears substantially larger than 5168. Tried the gold versions - beautiful but a bit much for me, especially the weight on my small wrist. I love the flyback chrono feature which in effect allows it to be set to the second, somewhat like a stop seconds feature. Also that the chrono can be run continuously as a seconds hand with no damage to the movement because of the vertical clutch system. I love that it is a chrono, although it would be even better if the chronograph function could be run from the crown. The case would be better proportioned IMO. I know that would be a drastic, expensive and unnecessary change … but one can dream. I love it with the orange strap, but it draws a lot of attention if worn with a short sleeve shirt, so I avoid doing that generally. One can also use the black strap option which is appealing in its own way.
Ok, so you are probably thinking, enough words, which do I prefer? I would like to be able to answer that truthfully by choosing. But that would not be truthful. At least at this point in time I don’t love one more than the other. Perhaps over time since I generally gravitate to complicated watches, I will favor the chrono. But I love the vibrant color, simplicity and significantly more comfortable fit of the 5168. So I guess the bottom line is that I consider myself to be very fortunate to own both and to not need to choose one over the other.
I will be interested in reading your thoughts, from those who own both, one or neither - and whether lovers, haters or anything in between.
Best, Patekova
Having both to wear is a joy. Like your insights. Tfs. I like the slimness of Patek watches. Cool and comfortable. 😊
Thanks for your reply. I hope someday you acquire the 5968A if you decide to go for it.
Big congrats on the 5968A 🎉👏🏻
I am so behind on catching up so many nice NWAs here.
For me, I don’t have the 5168G and will love to add it but would not loose sleep without ever owning it.
I am also happy and fortunate to own a 5167A and I love how comfortable it feels and wears.
The 5968A is absolutely stunning and I never swap back the black strap after I put on the orange when I first got it.
For me, I don’t have the 5168G and will love to add it but would not loose sleep without ever owning it.
I am also happy and fortunate to own a 5167A and I love how comfortable it feels and wears.
The 5968A is absolutely stunning and I never swap back the black strap after I put on the orange when I first got it.
Both are so different and served different purposes and functionality. Love both equally.
Cheers 🍻
Cheers 🍻
Thank you for the nice things you write in your detailed reply. Also for sharing the beautiful photo of your 5968A and 5167A. They make a stunning
pair, each the perfect complement to the other. And IMO steel is the perfect metal for the sporty Aquanaut.
Both are gorgeous watches and would be a dream to own.
The khaki is just amazing though. Love the color.
Thank you for compliment. Yes, color wise, I think the khaki is very special. Love the bold vibrant green.
Hi Patekova, both are
simply wonderful IMO !
The green is lovely but the 5968 is so bright and sporty with the orange strap and hands !
For me, your 5968 is more FUN on the wrist 
Thanks Gordon for the compliment! And why am I not surprised that you prefer the more daring and more vibrantly colored 5968A on the orange strap?😊
But here’s a hypothetical for you - let’s say the 5968 only came with a black strap and there were no after market straps that were appealing, would you still prefer the 5968?
Thanks for your thorough review! There is however one aspect I tend to disagree with…
and it is the point that, in my humble opinion, the 5968 wears dramatically better than the 5168 on smaller wrists (like mine). While they are both the same in diameter, the slimness of the 5168 reduces the angle of strap attachment. For that very reason, the 5168 strap is somehow flatter and doesn’t wrap around the wrist as well as the 5968 strap does. Long story short, when I had to decide between the two, I went for the 5968.
Thank you for your compliment. An even bigger thanks for expressing your differing detailed viewpoint and experience regarding how 5968 wears
dramatically better on your small wrist. I just tried on and compared both to see if I might feel differently about my original comment. My experience hasn’t changed. But clearly it all depends on one’s wrist and one’s individual perception and taste. So thank you for bringing your perspective. Perhaps others with small wrists who own 5968 feel exactly as you do.
Dear Patekova,
Thank you for your detailed and interesting review. I had missed it because, well, I simply didn’t yet give the modern Aquanauts the attention they surely deserve. Among Patek Philippe watches, they’re not the ones I’m drawn to or looking for. But, like you, I might change from indifference to appreciation and, why not, love. Because I like warmer colors, I would probably choose the 5968 or, even more in tune with my taste for warm tones, the 5167R.
But the green 5168 is very nice too in its own way.
Best, Emmanuel
But the green 5168 is very nice too in its own way.
Best, Emmanuel
Dear Emmanuel, thank you for your reply. Regarding 5167R, I find it to be extremely appealing and carefully weighed it versus 5168G khaki green.
The reasons I went with 5168 are: It is totally different from anything I have. I own 5711/1R which like 5167 R has a brown dial; In general, particularly in a sports type watch I gravitate towards white metals, which I find to be more casual, versatile and under the radar; and simply because I love the overall look and beauty of the vibrant green dial and strap.
That said, from a pure aesthetic standpoint I think the 5167 R is easily at least as attractive as the 5168G Khaki Green. Best, Patekova
That said, from a pure aesthetic standpoint I think the 5167 R is easily at least as attractive as the 5168G Khaki Green. Best, Patekova
I think the 5711/1R would be very much to my taste.
Or maybe even the brown leather strap variant. Both look so good.
Best, Emmanuel