2023 Predictions: Patek Philippe Aquanaut

What does Patek Philippe have in store for 2023? Like other top names in the industry, Patek is notoriously tight-lipped about upcoming discontinuations and new offerings. But that doesn’t stop the watch-collecting community from speculating.  The massively successful Nautilus 5711, boasting an 8+ year-long wait list, was discontinued just last year, in addition to its other variations.  The community was shocked, and understandably so.  However, Patek did release a replacement for the popular Nautilus date-only model later in the year in the form of the white gold ref. 5811/1G.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Patek adds more variations of the watch in the coming years.

We also can’t forget that Patek Philippe only released one new Aquanaut model in 2022, the ladies Aquanaut Luce ref. 7968/300R-001.  2022 marked the 25th anniversary of the collection, so many Patek enthusiasts were expecting something new and exciting for the Aquanaut, only to be met with the Luce model and a few movement upgrades to the men’s collection. Will Patek add new editions of the Aquanaut to their catalog in 2023?  Let’s explore the topic further in this 2023 Watches and Wonders prediction: Patek Philippe Aquanaut edition.

The Current Aquanaut Collection

Photo: Patek Philippe

Let me back up first for more context.  Patek Philippe released the Aquanaut in 1997, building upon the design of the popular Nautilus (released in 1976).  It features a similar design but is fresher and more contemporary.  The porthole-inspired case with a rounded octagonal bezel is present on both models, but the Aquanaut does not feature the ears present on either side of the Nautilus case.  The Aquanaut also features a square-embossed dial, while the Nautilus features a horizontally embossed one.  Lastly, the Aquanaut is available on a metal bracelet or composite rubber strap with a square-shaped texture that mirrors the square-embossed dial.  While the Nautilus is paired with either a metal bracelet or leather strap.

Photo: Patek Philippe

The Aquanaut collection currently houses 18 different variations.  Options include metal or composite bracelets, several dial and bracelet colorways, men’s or women’s models, and either stainless steel, rose gold, or white gold metal finishes.  Several movements power the Aquanaut series, ranging from time and date complications to travel time watches and chronographs.  As of 2022, the Aquanaut now also includes movements with hacking seconds.

Upgrades?

Turning our focus to the upcoming Watches and Wonders 2023 trade show, what can we expect from Patek Philippe and the Aquanaut?  Will the brand finally join the titanium trend currently taking over the market and release an Aquanaut in the coveted material?  Or is it too casual for even the Aquanaut collection? To that effect, will we see any other new materials not already afforded to the collection, such as deluxe platinum?  Patek famously prefers precious metals, so platinum might be more of a possibility over titanium.

We could also see more iterations added to the new women’s Luce model and maybe even a new men’s movement to follow up the 2022 caliber upgrades.  It would be exciting to see Patek add another complication to the collection’s lineup, such as the flyback chronograph, annual calendar, moon phase, or even Patek’s famous perpetual calendar.  The Aquanaut’s muse, the Nautilus, already boasts models that use each of those complications, so adding them to the Aquanaut collection doesn’t seem like that much of a stretch.

Of course, only time will tell if Patek graces us with any Aquanaut upgrades at all.  What do you think Patek Philippe will release this year?