Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Chronograph Ref. 7968/300R-001

Patek Philippe has expanded its Aquanaut Luce collection by launching the new Rainbow Chronograph model set with baguette diamonds and baguette sapphires. Moreover, it is the first self-winding Patek Philippe ladies’ chronograph.

The new Ref. 7968/300R-001 Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” chronograph is equipped with the self-winding caliber CH 28-520, a vertical disc clutch, and a large 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock.

Thanks to this modern clutch that operates with minimal wear and without affecting precision and power reserve, the sweep chronograph hand can also be used as a constantly running seconds hand.

With the pusher at 4 o’clock, the flyback function makes it possible to start a new measurement at any time, even if the sweep chronograph hand is already measuring the duration of an event or if it is being used as a constantly running seconds hand.

The octagonal bezel of the new Ref. 7968/300R-001 Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” chronograph is adorned with two rows of baguette-cut gems. The inner row consists of 40 flawless rare white Top Wesselton diamonds (2.05 ct). The outer one, slightly angled, sports 40 sapphires in the colors of the rainbow (2.31 ct). Each of them was hand-picked to assure the perfect transition from one nuance color to the next.

For this two-row arrangement, Patek Philippe selected the “invisible setting” technique in which the gems are horizontally notched on the lower facet. They can then be set on “metal rails” that are invisible from the outside.

The mother-of-pearl dial is engraved with the typical Aquanaut motif. The twelve applied hour markers in rose gold are baguette sapphires (0.31 ct) with nuance colors coordinated with those on the dial. Luminous baton hands in rose gold make the hours and minutes quickly and easily legible.

The 18K rose gold case has a diameter of 39.9 mm. The two chronograph pushers are manually polished and satin-finished by the manufacture’s artisans. In full compliance with the directives of the Patek Philippe Seal, the caliber CH 28-520 movement is also elaborately finished. It can be admired through the sapphire-crystal case back.

This striking gem-set ladies’ watch is delivered with three straps made of a highly durable composite material – one is red (original version), the other two are matte beige and matte white. The patented Patek Philippe fold-over clasp is adorned with ten baguette diamonds (0.36 ct).

Technical details

Model: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Rainbow Chronograph, Ref. 7968/300R-001

Movement
Caliber CH 28-520
Self-winding mechanical movement
Flyback chronograph with 60-minute counter
Diameter: 30 mm
Height: 5.3 mm
Number of parts: 259
Number of jewels: 32
Power reserve: Min. 45 hours, max. 55 hours
Winding rotor: Central rotor in 21K gold, unidirectional winding
Frequency: 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz)
Balance: Gyromax®
Balance spring: Spiromax® (in Silinvar®)
Balance spring stud: Adjustable

Functions
Two-position crown:
• Pushed home: To wind the watch
• Pulled out: To set the time

Displays
With hands:
• Center hours and minutes
• Sweep chronograph/seconds hand
• 60-minute chronograph counter at 6 o’clock

Pushers
Chronograph start and stop at 2 o’clock
Chronograph reset and flyback function at 4 o’clock

Hallmark
Patek Philippe Seal

Case
18K rose gold
Bezel set with color baguette sapphires and diamonds
Sapphire-crystal case back
Water resistant to 30 m (3 bar)
Case dimensions: Diameter (10 to 4 o’clock): 39.9 mm
Width (9 to 3 o’clock incl. crown): 42.02 mm
Length across lugs: 47.24 mm
Height: 10.37 mm
Width between lugs: 21 mm

Dial
White mother-of-pearl with engraved Aquanaut motif
Applied Arabic numerals in 18K rose gold
12 applied hour markers in 18K rose gold with color baguette sapphires
Baton-style hour and minute hands in 18K rose gold with Superluminova® coating
Chronograph/seconds hand, arrow-shaped, counterbalanced, rose gilt steel
Baton-style 60-minute counter in rose gilt brass

Strap
Composite material, water- and wear-resistant, UV-resistant, relief checkerboard pattern to match the dial
The watch comes with three strap colors: Red (original), matte beige and matte white (additional straps)
Patented fold-over clasp in 18K rose gold with baguette diamonds, secured with four separate catches

Precious stones
40 color baguette sapphires (2.31 ct) on the bezel
40 baguette diamonds (2.05 ct) on the bezel
12 color baguette sapphires (0.31 ct) on die dial markers
10 diamonds (0.36 ct) on the clasp
Total: 52 color baguette sapphires (2.62 ct) and 50 baguette diamonds (2.41 ct)