Patek Philippe's gateway timepiece to the world of daily drivers is undoubtedly the Aquanaut. Launched in 1997, the model was a segway for Patek enthusiasts and collectors to get their hands on a quality timepiece that was practical, contemporary and super wearable.
Fast forward to almost three decades since its introduction to the industry, and the Patek Philippe Aquanaut is one of the most sought after models in the world, routinely trading well above retail on the grey market and commanding a multi-year-long wait list. From the 5167 to the 5968 and the 5164, the Aquanaut offers something for everyone all the while boasting that coveted position as being a bona fide Patek Philippe made watch.
If you're in the market for a Patek Philippe Aquanaut but are struggling to get your foot in the door, here are some very considerable alternatives that more than hold their own against the almighty Aquanaut.
Patek Philippe 5980/60G Nautilus Chronograph
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: 5980/60G Nautilus Chronograph
Reference: 5980/60G
Case: 40.50mm x 12.20mm
Case Material: White gold
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Caliber CH 28‑520 C/522
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 55 hours
Perhaps the most obvious choice to a decent alternative to the Aquanaut is looking over to its big brother, specifically the new Patek Philippe 5980/60G Nautilus Chronograph. Not to say that this piece is any easier or more affordable to purchase, but it does offer a lot of the pluses that the Aquanaut does, albeit in a more luxurious package wholly considered to be as high end as a sport watches can be.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
Brand: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
Model: Royal Oak Offshore Diver
Reference: 15720ST.OO.A009CA.01
Case: 42mm x 14.20mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Calibre 4308
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Audemars Piguet offers a fair amount of Aquanaut alternatives, however as I couldn't find any standard Royal Oak models on a rubber strap, I had to step up to the Royal Oak Offshore collection, with the Royal Oak Offshore Diver standing out as a prime Patek Philippe Aquanaut alternative. The colours are sporty, its case isn't too big, it comes on a rubber strap and it offers a similarly practical look as the Aquanaut, albeit being a touch larger.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Brand: Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Model: Overseas
Reference: 4520V/210A-B483
Case: 41mm x 10.69mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 150m
Movement: Caliber 5100
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Paired with a rubber strap, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas is by far one of the best like-for-like alternatives to the Patek Philippe Aquanaut. I've chosen the black dial variant, but whether you choose the blue or silver dial model (or go full pelt and opt for gold models), the Overseas is perhaps the best alternative to the Aquanaut, with the added benefit of carrying the Hallmark of Geneva certification.
Rolex Yacht-Master 42
Brand: Rolex
Model: Yacht-Master 42
Reference: 226659
Case: 42mm
Case Material: White gold
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Caliber 3235
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 70 hours
The white gold Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is a serious bit of kit from the brand with the crown, and it's the one I chose to go toe-to-toe with the Aquanaut. The combination of the white gold case with the Oysterflex bracelet and the Cerachrom bezel make for a scintillating package that can easily put its hand up as a solid alternative to the Aquanaut.
IWC Aquatimer Automatic
Brand: IWC
Model: Aquatimer Automatic
Reference: IW328802
Case: 42mm x 14.10mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Caliber 32111
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 120 hours
A conscientious choice, the similarly named IWC Aquatimer Automatic holds its own as another very interesting Aquanaut alternative. Perhaps not finished to the same degree as the Aquanaut, the Aquatimer's price is reflective of what it brings to the table, to an extent. Rubber strap, check. Super legible, check. In house automatic movement, check. A degree of stealth, check. Solid Aquanaut alternative, check and check,
Piaget Polo Date
Brand: Piaget
Model: Polo Date
Reference: G0A47014
Case: 42mm x 9.40mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Caliber 1110P
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 50 hours
If you're looking at this purely from a visceral perspective, then what you have with the Piaget Polo Date is perhaps the most aesthetically like-for-like alternative to the Patek Philippe Aquanaut there is. A similarly shaped case, look and feel makes the Polo Date the most reminiscent of the Aquanaut. There are a few differences of course, with the main one being that the Polo Date is basically half the price of the Aquanaut. It's also a piece I've handled in the metal for quite some time so can personally attest to its quality, too.
Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono
Brand: Chopard
Model: Alpine Eagle XL Chrono
Reference: 298609-3004
Case: 44mm x 13.15mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Caliber 03.05-C
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 60 hours
The beefy Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono is an odd choice however it's one that can bring the heat to the Aquanaut's dominance in the space of the high end rubber-strapped chronograph. It does sit larger than the Aquanaut's comparatively petite proportions, but the Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono sits beautifully on the wrist if you're ever able to try it on. A different alternative to the Aquanaut of sorts.
Hublot Classic Fusion Original Titanium
Brand: Hublot
Model: Classic Fusion Original Titanium
Reference: 542.NX.1270.RX.MDM
Case: 42mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: HUB1110
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 42 hours
From Hublot is the Classic Fusion Original Titanium, presented as a fringe alternative to the Aquanaut. I say fringe because it is perhaps a very left-field pick, but it's one that I think should be a consideration especially if you're looking to save a bit of cash along the way. It presents with a lot of the virtues that make Hublot as good as it is, and with the added benefit of being made available in a variety of sizes.
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