Patek Philippe is enhancing its “modern casual chic” Aquanaut collection by introducing one of its most emblematic Grand Complications, the minute repeater, into the Aquanaut Luce ladies’ line. This distinctive addition, designed to broaden the range of watches for women, is showcased in two Haute Joaillerie versions adorned with a vibrant array of multicolored baguette-cut sapphires and baguette-cut diamonds, showcasing the exquisite “invisible setting” technique.
The Aquanaut, inspired by the renowned Nautilus, made its debut in 1997 with a youthful, original, and dynamic design. Its cult status among aficionados of a casual yet refined lifestyle was quickly established, thanks to features such as a dial and coordinated strap made of composite material. The basic model, equipped with hours, minutes, seconds, and date, powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, is currently available in steel and rose gold (Reference 5167), as well as a Jumbo-size version in white gold (Reference 5168).
While the men’s Aquanaut has seen the addition of complications over the years, including a self-winding model with the Travel Time dual time-zone mechanism (Reference 5164) and a self-winding flyback chronograph (Reference 5968), the Aquanaut Luce for women was introduced in 2004, featuring a row of diamonds on the bezel, thus named Aquanaut Luce, meaning “Light” in Italian. Available today in steel with a quartz movement (Reference 5267) or in rose gold with a self-winding movement (Reference 5268), the Aquanaut Luce also offers jewelry versions (References 5062/450R-001 and 5072R-001).
In recent years, the Aquanaut Luce has expanded its offerings to include complications similar to the men’s Aquanaut. In 2021, a quartz movement with the Travel Time dual time-zone function was introduced (5269), followed by a self-winding flyback chronograph adorned with diamonds and multicolored sapphires in 2022 (Reference 7968). The momentum continued in spring 2023 with the introduction of a patented Annual Calendar in rose gold without gems (Reference 5261).
Patek Philippe is now taking a groundbreaking step by introducing the Aquanaut collection’s first Grand Complication – a minute repeater, an area in which the manufacture excels. For this significant launch, Patek Philippe has chosen the Aquanaut Luce line for women, following a historical precedent of acknowledging women’s growing interest in fine mechanisms. The minute repeater, recognized as one of Patek Philippe’s specialties, adds a new dimension to the Aquanaut Luce collection.
The Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Minute Repeater Haute Joaillerie, available in two models (References 5260/355R-001 and 5260/1455R-001), exemplifies an innovative blend of Haute Horlogerie, modern casual chic, and Haute Joaillerie. The Reference 5260/355R-001 in rose gold features a setting of 52 multicolored baguette-cut sapphires (3.19 ct), 112 baguette-cut diamonds (7.31 ct), and 160 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.72 ct), emphasizing the octagonal Aquanaut bezel with a double row of baguette-cut gemstones set in the refined “invisible setting” technique. The dial, paying homage to the Aquanaut Luce motif, incorporates baguette diamonds in an invisible setting and a snow setting for brilliant-cut diamonds, ensuring both style and legibility.
The Reference 5260/1455R-001, entirely paved with 130 baguette-cut diamonds (8.66 ct) on the dial and the outer row of the bezel, and 779 multicolored baguette-cut sapphires (45.05 ct) forming a rainbow on the inner row of the bezel, the flanks of the case, the minute repeater slide-piece, and the rose-gold bracelet, takes the concept further. The use of the “invisible setting” technique enhances the radiance of this precious timepiece, emphasizing Patek Philippe’s commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
Both models are equipped with the caliber R 27 self-winding movement, which chimes on demand, and are accompanied by three ultra-resistant composite material straps, offering a range of colors to suit individual preferences. The Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Minute Repeater Haute Joaillerie represents the pinnacle of Patek Philippe’s watchmaking and gemsetting expertise, adhering to the stringent criteria of the Patek Philippe Seal.
In celebration of this grand introduction, the Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Minute Repeater Haute Joaillerie Reference 5260/1455R-001 will be exclusively available in Patek Philippe Salons in Geneva, Paris, and London during the introductory phase.
For more information, please visit Patek.com.