A SPLASH OF COLOR
The Aquanaut collection is “young, modern and unexpected,” while also being unmistakably Patek Philippe. This youthful and dynamic character was further enhanced this year as the collection welcomed its very first chronograph—a self-winding flyback chronograph, no less—in the brand new Reference 5968A.
Much like how the Reference 5740/1G Nautilus does it, the Reference 5968A provides an exemplary case on harmoniously integrating new functionality with an iconic design. The 60-minute counter, for one, echoes the contours of the slightly rounded octagonal bezel. The broad chronograph pushers, meanwhile, are placed at the 2 and 4 o’clock positions, in a way that helps preserve the Aquanaut’s streamlined silhouette.
This watch also marks the introduction of a new color, orange, which provides excellent contrast against the black dial. In particular, the large chronograph hand, quarter-second divisions of the peripheral railway track minute scale and the 60-minute counter—all of which are displayed in orange—stand out against the dark dial and its signature embossed pattern. This chromatic scheme extends to the strap options, with an exciting and sporty orange variant made available alongside the more traditional black. Both, per usual for the Aquanaut-exclusive Tropical straps, are made of an ultraresistant composite material that is highly impervious to wear, salt water and exposure to UV radiation.