Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968A-001: The Very First Chronograph in the Aquanaut Collection
The Aquanaut collection by Patek Philippe welcomes its first chronograph, the new Ref. 5968A-001 with the CH 28-520 C caliber, a self-winding flyback chronograph movement that persuasively melds tradition with innovation.
It combines classic column-wheel control with the modern, vertical disc clutch which prevents hand bounce and rebound when starting the chronograph. Because this clutch is virtually friction-free, the sweep chronograph hand can also be used as a continuously running seconds hand. This eliminates the need for a seconds subdial.
Thanks to the flyback function, the owner can actuate the pusher to initiate a new measurement while the chronograph hand is running, which makes a reset superfluous. The transition from the chronograph to the running seconds function allows the watch to be synchronized with a time signal by using the stop seconds feature.
This new Reference 5968A-001 in steel also attracts attention with its unique aesthetic appeal and the very balanced integration of the chronograph in the exclusive Aquanaut design. The 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock adopts the characteristic contours of the gently rounded octagonal bezel.
The elongated pushers are harmoniously integrated on both sides of the crown protector. The chronograph displays (chronograph hand, the peripheral railway track scale with quarter-second divisions, 60-minute counter) are orange and contrast well against the black dial with the typical Aquanaut embossed pattern.
Excellent legibility is guaranteed by applied Arabic numerals in white gold and the broad baton hands – all with luminous coatings.
Thanks to its screw-down crown, the rugged case is water resistant to 120 m. It exhibits a refined alternation of delicately satin-finished surfaces and flanks, producing the same interplay of light as the bezel with its smooth glossy surfaces and polished chamfers.
The composite strap is embossed like the dial. It is very comfortable on the wrist and highly resistant to abrasion and wear as well as to salt water and UV radiation.
Patek Philippe delivers the watch with two straps: the black one is standard issue and can be replaced with the orange strap that amplifies the bold accents of the dial.
With the new Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968A-001, the manufacture is also introducing an innovative fold-over clasp. It has four independent catches for enhanced opening and closing functionality.
Technical details
Model: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph, Reference 5968A-001
Movement
Caliber CH 28-520 C
Self-winding mechanical movement. Chronograph with 60-minute counter.
Diameter: 30 mm (basic movement 30 mm; chronograph module 30 mm)
Height: 6.63 mm (basic movement 5.2 mm; chronograph module 1.43 mm)
Number of parts: 308
Number of jewels: 32
Power reserve: Min. 45 h / max. 55 h
Winding rotor: Central rotor in 21K gold, unidirectional winding
Frequency: 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz)
Gyromax® balance
Balance spring: Spiromax® (in Silinvar®)
Balance spring stud: Adjustable
Functions
Two crown positions:
• Pushed home: To wind the watch
• Pulled out: To set the time
Displays
Center hours and minutes
Sweep chronograph/seconds hand
60-minute chronograph counter at 6 o’clock
Aperture display: Date at 3 o’clock
Corrector
Quick date corrector at 8 o’clock
Pushers
• Chronograph start and stop at 2 o’clock
• Chronograph reset and flyback at 4 o’clock
Hallmark
Patek Philippe Seal
Case
Stainless steel
Sapphire-crystal caseback
Water resistant to 120 m (12 bar)
Case dimensions: Diameter (10 to 4 o’clock): 42.2 mm
Width (9 to 3 o’clock incl. crown): 45 mm
Length (across lugs): 50.2 mm
Height: 11.9 mm
Width between lugs: 22 mm
Dial
Brass, sunburst black, embossed
Applied Arabic numerals, 18K white gold with Superluminova coating
12 applied 5-minute markers, 18K white gold with Superluminova coating
Baton-style hour and minute hands in 18K white gold, with Superluminova® coating
Chronograph/seconds hand counterbalanced, lacquered orange
Baton-style hand of 60-minute counter in brass, lacquered orange
Strap
Composite material, black, waterproof and resistant to abrasion and UV radiation, checkerboard embossing matched to dial, new patented
Aquanaut fold-over clasp
Delivered with interchangeable orange composite strap
