bIntroduced during Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Reference 5261R-001 in rose gold is the first Annual Calendar in the Aquanaut Collection.
Launched in 2004, the Aquanaut Luce collection – a feminine reinterpretation of the Aquanaut introduced in 1997 – is available in stainless steel quartz models with several dial colors and matching straps (5267/200A-001, 5267/200A-010, 5267 /200A-011) and in a rose gold self-winding model with a taupe dial and integrated strap (5268/200R-010).
It also includes an Haute Joaillerie version combining the most sophisticated gem-setting techniques (5062/450R-001) and a very refined version with a bezel set with baguette-cut diamonds and a two-tone engraved mother-of-pearl dial (5072R-001).
After the Aquanaut Luce Travel Time dual time zone watch Ref. 5269/200R-001 in 2021 and the Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” self-winding chronograph Ref. 7968/300R-001 in 2022, the Manufacture presents the new Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar Ref. 5261R-001 in 18k rose gold.
Equipped with the patented Patek Philippe Annual Calendar mechanism (1996), this timepiece offers complete day/date/month calendar function requiring only one manual correction per year, at the end of February.
The 39.9 mm-diameter case houses the new self-winding 26-330 S QA LU caliber, with central rotor in 21K gold and the additional Annual Calendar module with moon phases. Thanks to the inversion of the Annual Calendar module in the case, this model has an unusual calendar display compared to other Patek Philippe timepieces equipped with this complication.
The date is displayed in an aperture at 6 o’clock, the moon phases in an aperture at 12 o’clock, the day and month in subdials at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. The extremely precise moon phase indication deviates only one day in 122 years from the true lunar cycle.
The architecture of the movement is based on the caliber 26-330, introduced in 2019 in the Calatrava Weekly Calendar Ref. 5212A-001 and featuring several technical innovations and optimizations for performance and dependability – including a patented anti-backlash wheel to prevent the seconds hand from vibrating, as well as a patented clutch wheel improving the efficiency and longevity of the self-winding function.
The rose gold case and bezel with their rounded octagonal shape is enhanced by the contrast between polished and satin finishes. The blue-gray dial with the embossed Aquanaut pattern features rose gold applied Arabic numerals and baton-style hands, all with white luminescent coating ensuring excellent legibility.
A blue-gray integrated composite strap with the Aquanaut pattern perfectly harmonizes with the dial shade and design. This colour combination was actually introduced in the steel Aquanaut Luce 5067A-025 model.
The strap is fitted with a patented Patek Philippe fold-over clasp secured by four independent catches.
Technical details
Model: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar in 18K Rose Gold, Ref. 5261R-001
Movement
Caliber 26-330 S QA LU
Annual Calendar self-winding mechanical movement with date in an aperture and hand displays for day and month
Moon phases
Diameter: 30 mm (base movement 27 mm, additional annual calendar module with moon phases 30 mm)
Height: 5.32 mm (base movement 3.32 mm, additional annual calendar module with moon phases 2 mm)
Number of parts: 319
Number of jewels: 34
Power reserve: Min. 35 hours, max. 45 hours
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
Crown functions
Two-position crown:
• Pushed in: manual winding
• Pulled out: handsetting with stop seconds
Displays
With hands: Centre hours, minutes and seconds, Day at 3 o’clock, Month at 9 o’clock
In apertures: Date at 6 o’clock, Moon phases at 12 o’clock
Correctors
Moon phases at 2 o’clock
Day at 4 o’clock
Month at 8 o’clock
Date at 10 o’clock
Hallmark
Patek Philippe Seal
Case
18K rose gold
Sapphire-crystal case back
Water-resistant to 30 meters
Diameter (10 to 4 o’clock): 39.9 mm
Width (3 to 9 o’clock with crown): 42.02 mm
Length (across lugs): 47.35 mm
Height (crystal to display back): 10.94 mm
Total height: 11.76 mm
Width between lugs: 21 mm
Dial
Blue-gray embossed with Aquanaut pattern
Applied Arabic numerals in 18K rose gold with white luminescent coating
Baton hour and minute hands in 18K rose gold with white luminescent coating
Baton day and month hands in 18K white gold with white luminescent coating
Seconds hand in Pfinodal with white luminescent coating
Strap
Blue-gray composite material resistant to water, ultraviolet light and wear with embossed Aquanaut pattern matching the dial
Patented Patek Philippe fold-over clasp in 18K rose gold secured by four independent catches
