Description

Mid to late 90s were exciting times in the Wallstreet. The dot.com boom was in full bloom, and cash was flowing into the bank accounts of a considerably younger generation. Amid this boom, in 1997, Patek Philippe launched Aquanaut – a modified version of the Nautilus, targeting a much younger audience. The design was heavily inspired by Genta’s original Nautilus, but with notable changes evoking the taste of the consumers it was aimed at.

The Patek Philippe 7968/300R-001 Aquanaut Luce Rainbow marks a landmark evolution in the esteemed watchmaker’s legacy. This is Patek Philippe’s premiere venture into the realm of self-winding ladies’ chronographs and the Aquanaut Luce collection’s first chronograph, embodying a perfect blend of sporty elegance and modern sophistication.

Contained within a beautifully sculpted 39.9mm rose gold case, with a height of 10.37mm, this watch resonates with understated opulence. Designed for resilience, it offers water resistance up to 30 meters, while its transparent sapphire crystal case back provides an intimate window into the watch’s intricate mechanics, a nod to Patek Philippe’s unrivaled horological expertise.

The dial is a visual tour de force: set against a radiant white mother-of-pearl canvas, deeply engraved with the Aquanaut’s signature pattern. This ethereal backdrop is accentuated by baguette multicolored sapphire hour markers and gold applied numerals, creating a luminous display that echoes the varied hues of a rainbow, demonstrating the maison’s unmatched gem-setting craft.

At the heart of this horological gem is the groundbreaking self-winding mechanical movement, the Caliber CH 28‑520. Beyond its precise timekeeping, this movement boasts a flyback chronograph, complemented by a central chronograph hand and a 60-minute counter.

GEMSETTING is a highlight of this timepiece. The bezel is adorned with 40 multicolored sapphires weighing 2.31 cts, interspersed with 40 diamonds totaling 2.05 cts. The hour markers feature 12 multicolored sapphires weighing 0.31 ct. The fold-over clasp is embellished with 10 diamonds, weighing 0.36 ct. In total, the watch is graced with 52 baguette-cut multicolored sapphires (2.62 cts) and 50 baguette-cut diamonds (2.41 cts).

Completing this work of art is a sophisticated composite rubber strap, marrying elegance with comfort.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.