The Five Most Expensive Patek Philippe Aquanaut Watches Sold at Auction in 2024

Since its debut in 1997, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut has evolved into one of the most iconic and sought-after collections in luxury watchmaking. Conceived as a younger, sportier alternative to the Nautilus, the Aquanaut initially raised eyebrows with its innovative rubber strap and bold design. Over time, it has transcended its casual origins to become a symbol of versatility, blending cutting-edge materials with Patek Philippe’s timeless craftsmanship. Each reference within the Aquanaut line showcases a distinct personality, offering collectors a variety of options from understated elegance to bold, statement-making designs.

Sotheby’s has been privileged to present some of the most remarkable examples of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut at auction in 2024. Here, we spotlight the five most expensive Patek Philippe Aquanaut models sold in 2024, each celebrated for its unique features, exceptional craftsmanship, and desirability among collectors.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168 Circa 2020, 1,270,000 HKD

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168 sold for 1,270,000 HKD in April 2024. Originally introduced in 1997 as a sporty counterpart to the Nautilus, the Aquanaut was designed to appeal to young entrepreneurs with its bold and casual aesthetic. This reference, unveiled in 2017 at Baselworld, is crafted in white gold and features a striking blue embossed dial, maintaining the timeless style that has made the Aquanaut a versatile and enduring choice for collectors.

This particular example gains added prestige as it was retailed by Tiffany & Co., enhancing its exclusivity and desirability. Combining elegant design with everyday wearability, the watch showcases the enduring legacy of the Aquanaut collection. Offered in excellent condition, it represents a rare opportunity to own a refined timepiece with both historical and contemporary appeal.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Reference 5164R-001 Circa 2018, 96,000 USD

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Reference 5164R-001 sold for $96,000 in June 2024. Introduced in 1997 as a youthful, sporty alternative within the Patek Philippe lineup, the Aquanaut overcame initial skepticism surrounding its rubber strap to become one of the brand’s most celebrated models. By 2011, the launch of the Travel Time Reference 5164 added new functionality to the Aquanaut family, making it the first complicated model in the collection. The present example, crafted in rose gold and introduced in 2016, showcases the iconic cushion-shaped case, textured dial, and dual-time functionality.

Equipped with pushers on the left side for easy adjustments to the second time zone, this watch embodies both practicality and elegance. Retaining all hallmark traits of the Aquanaut, it includes its signature rubber strap and day/night indications. Offered with a complete suite of accessories, this timepiece combines versatility, innovation, and luxurious design, making it a standout piece for collectors.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168G-001 Circa 2018, 78,000 USD

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168G-001 sold for $78,000 in December 2024. Released in 2017 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut, this model perfectly combined sporty design with luxury. Its 42.2mm 18k white gold case marked a departure from earlier Aquanaut models, offering a bold yet refined aesthetic. The gradient blue dial, transitioning from bright blue at the center to a darker navy at the edges, featured the signature embossed pattern that has become synonymous with the Aquanaut series.

This particular example, dating to 2018, was presented in excellent condition and included its complete set of accessories, such as the Patek Philippe presentation box, Certificate of Origin, and related documentation. With its timeless design and connection to the Aquanaut's celebrated history, the 5168G-001 stands out as a highly sought-after timepiece, appealing to both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168G-010 Circa 2019, 78,000 USD

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168G-010, crafted in luxurious 18k white gold, sold for $78,000 in June 2024. Released in 2019, this model introduced a bold khaki green dial paired with a matching composite strap, creating a unique and contemporary aesthetic. At 42.2mm, the "Jumbo" case size delivered a striking presence on the wrist, while maintaining the signature embossed pattern of the Aquanaut series. This reference exemplified Patek Philippe's ability to blend sporty sophistication with timeless design.

Offered in excellent condition, this watch included a complete set of original accessories, such as its presentation box, Certificate of Origin, and instruction manual. The rare khaki green dial and strap combination, combined with the model's enduring popularity and exclusivity, positioned it as a standout piece for collectors seeking both elegance and modern appeal.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168G-001 Circa 2018, 68,000 USD

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5168G-001 sold for $68,000 in June 2024. Introduced in 2017 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut, this model combined sporty appeal with the elegance of an 18k white gold case. At 42.2mm, the case size made it the largest Aquanaut to date, enhancing its bold and modern presence. The gradient blue dial, transitioning from bright blue at the center to deep navy at the edges, showcased the signature embossed pattern of the Aquanaut collection, maintaining its distinct design language.

This particular example, dating from around 2018, was offered in excellent condition and accompanied by a complete set of accessories, including its Certificate of Origin and presentation materials. The seamless blend of luxurious craftsmanship and sporty functionality made this watch a standout addition to the Aquanaut lineup, appealing to both seasoned collectors and modern enthusiasts.

Whether celebrated for their unique aesthetics, technical ingenuity, or rare provenance, these timepieces have solidified their status as some of the most desirable Aquanauts ever presented at Sotheby's in 2024. Their record-breaking performances at auction not only underscore their value but also reaffirm the Aquanaut’s position as a cornerstone in the legacy of Patek Philippe.

Buy or Sell Your Next Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luxury Watch

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Patek Philippe watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Patek Philippe models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Nautilus, Aquanaut, and Calatrava, alongside grand complications and limited editions in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Patek Philippe timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Patek Philippe watches start around $20,000 for simpler models like the Calatrava and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic sports models such as the Nautilus and Aquanaut often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare grand complications and limited editions can exceed $1,000,000.