Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce: References, Sizes, Gem-Set Versions and How It Differs From the Men's Aquanaut

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce is the women's line of the Aquanaut, built around a 38.8 mm case with a diamond-set bezel, an embossed dial and an integrated composite strap. It is available in steel with a quartz movement (ref. 5267/200A), in rose gold with a self-winding movement (ref. 5268/200R), and in high-jewellery form with a minute repeater (ref. 5260/355R). This guide explains the references, the sizes, how the gem setting changes between versions, and how the Luce differs from the men's Aquanaut. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk, not an authorised Patek Philippe retailer.

Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Specifications are taken from Patek Philippe's own reference pages and press material; confirm details against the manufacturer for the exact reference you want. Sources: Patek Philippe, ref. 5267/200A-001, ref. 5268/200R-010 and ref. 5260/355R-001.

What is the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce?

It is the dressier, gem-set branch of the Aquanaut family, aimed at women but worn by anyone who likes a mid-size sports watch. It keeps the signature octagonal bezel, the embossed grid dial and the soft integrated strap of the men's model, then adds a bezel set with 48 diamonds on the 5267 and 5268. Patek's 2021 update enlarged the Luce to 38.8 mm and folded earlier, smaller references into a cleaner lineup. For the wider range, see our Patek Philippe Aquanaut ladies collection and the full Patek Philippe Aquanaut collection.

Which Aquanaut Luce references exist?

The core references are the steel 5267/200A, the rose gold 5268/200R and the jewellery-led 5260/355R, with the annual calendar 5261R sitting next to them in the range. The table compares the figures Patek publishes.

Note that Patek's own 5261R page does not use the Luce name for that watch, so treat it as the annual calendar sibling rather than a strict Luce reference.

How big is the Aquanaut Luce?

The current Luce references are 38.8 mm across, measured from 10 to 4 o'clock. That is a mid-size case: noticeably larger than the earlier Luce watches, and about 2 mm smaller than the men's Aquanaut 5167A at 40.8 mm and 8.1 mm thick. The steel quartz 5267 is the slimmest at 7.9 mm; the automatic rose gold 5268 is 8.5 mm because it holds a mechanical movement.

How does the Luce differ from the men's Aquanaut?

The Luce is smaller and gem-set, while the men's 5167A is a larger plain steel watch. Both share the embossed dial, the composite strap and 30 m water resistance. The practical differences are summarized below.

If you are deciding between the Aquanaut and its sibling sports watch, our comparison of the Nautilus and Aquanaut covers that choice, and the Aquanaut 5167 guide covers the men's reference in depth.

What are the gem-set and rainbow Aquanaut versions?

The standard Luce carries 48 diamonds on the bezel, and the Rainbow minute repeater takes the setting much further. Reference 5260/355R is the first minute repeater in the Aquanaut line. Patek lists 52 multicolored baguette-cut sapphires, 112 baguette-cut diamonds and 160 brilliant-cut diamonds across the dial, hour markers, bezel, lugs and clasp. It runs the self-winding caliber R 27 and chimes on two gongs. You can see the family on our Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5260/355R-001 Rainbow listing. Because it is a repeater with no water resistance, treat it as a collector's piece rather than a daily sports watch.

What is the Aquanaut annual calendar in rose gold?

It is the 5261R, a 39.9 mm rose gold Aquanaut with day, date, month and moon phases on the self-winding caliber 26-330 S QA LU. The dial is opaline blue-gray and the strap is composite with a rose gold fold-over clasp. It suits buyers who want a complication without a gem-set bezel. See the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5261R-001 in rose gold with a blue dial.

Should you choose quartz or automatic?

Choose the steel quartz 5267 for low maintenance and the lightest feel; choose the rose gold 5268 if you want a mechanical movement and a precious-metal case. Quartz suits a watch worn often and left in a drawer for weeks, because it needs only a battery change about every three years. Automatic appeals to buyers who value the mechanical movement and the rose gold finish. Neither is a dive watch at 30 m, so keep both away from swimming.

Frequently asked questions

What does Luce mean on a Patek Aquanaut?

Luce is the name Patek Philippe uses for its women's, diamond-set Aquanaut line. It is not a separate collection; it sits inside the Aquanaut range.

What size is the Aquanaut Luce?

Current references such as the 5267/200A and 5268/200R measure 38.8 mm. The men's 5167A measures 40.8 mm.

Is the Aquanaut Luce quartz or automatic?

Both exist. The steel 5267/200A is quartz, while the rose gold 5268/200R and the high-jewellery 5260/355R are self-winding.

Is the Aquanaut Luce water resistant?

The 5267 and 5268 are rated to 30 m, which covers splashes and handwashing but not swimming. The 5260/355R minute repeater is not water resistant.

Can men wear the Aquanaut Luce?

Yes. At 38.8 mm it sits within the range many men wear, though the diamond bezel makes it a distinctly dressier choice than the 5167A.

Related reading: Patek Philippe Aquanaut orange strap guide, Patek Philippe for Women, Patek Philippe watch prices and Nautilus vs Aquanaut.

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