Patek Philippe Aquanaut
Reference guide: 5065
Case diameter: 38.8mm
Movement: caliber
315 SC
Years of production: 1998 - 2004 (tritium dials), 2004 - 2006 (superluminova dials), 2012 (short production run with caliber 324 SC)
Photo credit: @mh1717
Reference 5065A (steel)
Launched in 1998 following the introduction of the 5060A, the 5065A uses the same key design features but with a display caseback and a larger case (38.8mm vs. 35.6mm), which is why it earned the nickname “Jumbo”. Because of its “jumbo” case and vintage features, many collectors (including ourselves) consider the 5065 to be their favorite Aquanaut reference.
Around 2004, the 5065 was “upgraded” for the first time when its luminous material was changed to superluminova instead of tritium. While the model was discontinued in 2006, a limited batch of 5065s were produced in 2012 with the new caliber 324 SC.
While the 5065A generally comes only with a black dial, Phillips recently uncovered a few examples with unique colored dials made for a special Patek customer in 2005. Aside from these unique dials, we’ve generally seen 4 different dial variations:
Tritium dial and tritium hands (1998-2004)
Tritium dial and superluminova hands (2004, a transitional year)
Superluminova dial and superluminova hands (2004-2006)
Superluminova dial with large lume plots and superluminova hands (exact years unknown, though we believe 2006 and 2012 only)
Early 5065A with tritium dial and perfectly matching tritium hands. The combination of patina and "3D" dial makes these watches so fun and interesting, especially considering the wide range of strap colors available. Photo credit: Gentleman Collector
The 5065 and 5066 were the first Aquanaut references with display caseback. Photo credit: A Collected Man
Here is another tritium dial 5065A with its original steel bracelet. Early examples with strong patina are becoming increasingly sought after. Photo credit: @theflywrist
The aging of the hands on early tritium Aquanauts is often a few shades lighter than the dials. Photo credit: A Collected Man
Later 5065A (mid 2000s) with superluminova dial and hands. While these were only produced over a short timeframe, they are generally less sought after than earlier tritium dials. Photo credit: Ponti Collection
5065A from 2005, with superluminova hands and dial. This one is fitted with a steel bracelet, which is interchangeable with the rubber strap. Unlike gold examples, 5065As with a steel bracelet are not sold at a premium (vs. rubber strap only). Photo credit: @better_call_janewit
During the transition from tritium to superluminova around 2004, it appears that some "hybrid" examples were produced with tritium dials and superluminova hands. Though it could also be that the hands were replaced during service. Photo credit: Menta Watches
A late 5065A with large superluminova hour plots. Photo credit: @pontijunior
Very rare 5065A with large superluminova lume plots. This particular example is part of a small batch produced in 2012 by Patek with the same movement as the one present in reference 5165A (caliber 324 SC). It was sold by Christie's in November 2019 for 62,500 CHF. Photo credit: Christie's
Macro shot of caliber 324 SC with Patek seal. This movement is found in the handful of 5065s produced in 2012. Photo credit: Christie's
A possibly unique 5065A from 2005 with a blue dial, red center seconds and matching blue strap. Photo credit: Phillips
A possibly unique 5065A from 2005 with a prune dial and matching prune bracelet. This watch sold for 131,250 CHF in June 2019. Photo credit: Phillips
Reference 5065J (yellow gold)
The 5065J is probably the coolest Aquanaut reference out there. It has the same features as the 5065A but it’s rarer and it’s gold!
Beautiful early 5065J with tritium dial and hands. Photo credit: timeXchange
The 5065J also comes with a display caseback. Photo credit: timeXchange
In our opinion, the 5065J looks best with a brown rubber strap. Photo credit: timeXchange
The combination of rubber and yellow gold is not for everyone but we definitely love it! Photo credit: Matthew Bain
The 5065J can also sometimes be found with a yellow gold bracelet, which is interchangeable with the rubber strap. These are generally quite a bit more expensive than those only with a rubber strap. Photo credit: Amsterdam Vintage Watches
Mid 2000s 5065J with superluminova dial and hands. Photocredit: @_watchjet_
Very rare (less than 10 made) 5065J with caliber 324 SC movement manufactured in 2012. Photo credit: Le Collection'Heure
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