About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut was introduced in 1997 as a sportier, more contemporary counterpart to the Nautilus, and the 5168 represents the line's larger 42.2 mm expression in 18k white gold. The reference is defined by its rounded octagonal bezel, textured checkerboard embossed dial in either blue or khaki green, and matching composite strap that gives the watch its distinctive integrated look. White gold distinguishes the 5168 from stainless steel Aquanaut references, elevating the material proposition while keeping the sporty silhouette that makes the Aquanaut universally wearable. The combination of precious metal construction and bold case diameter has made the 5168 one of the most discussed and actively traded modern Patek Philippe references on the collector market.
What to Look For
Buyers choosing between 5168 references should understand that the key variable is dial color: the 5168G-001 and 5168G1 deliver the classic Aquanaut blue, while the 5168G-010 and 5168GG-1 offer the khaki green that has generated particularly strong demand and premium pricing in recent years. White gold case and clasp are consistent across the collection, so condition, box and papers completeness, and dial originality are the primary factors that separate one example from another at the point of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the case size of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168?
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168 measures 42.2 mm in diameter, making it the larger Aquanaut expression compared to references like the 5167. The 42.2 mm case size in 18k white gold gives the 5168 a bold wrist presence that appeals to collectors who find the smaller references too understated.
What is the difference between the 5168G-001 and the 5168G-010?
The primary difference between these two 5168 references is dial color: the 5168G-001 features the classic blue embossed dial, while the 5168G-010 presents the khaki green dial that has become one of the most talked-about dial variants in the modern Patek Philippe lineup. Both are cased in 18k white gold and share the same 42.2 mm Aquanaut architecture.
Why does the green dial 5168 command a higher premium than the blue?
The green dial Aquanaut 5168 references, including the 5168G-010 and 5168GG-1, have attracted outsized collector demand since their introduction, partly due to the rarity of green dials in prestigious watchmaking and the visual contrast the color creates against the white gold case. As a result, green dial examples consistently trade at a premium over blue dial counterparts on the secondary market, and finding one in excellent condition with full set documentation is increasingly competitive.
Browse also: Patek Philippe collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
