Patek Philippe "Prototype" Aquanaut Sells for $396,000 USD at Auction
With a power reserve indicator?
A rare Patek Philippe Prototype has just sold at Antiquorum’s Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces for over eight times its low estimate. Made in 1996, just one year before the official introduction of what would be considered the sportier little brother to the Nautilus (it has since carved out its own lane), this particular prototype arrives in the Aquanaut 5060 reference.
Fetching CHF 401,000 (approximately $396,000 USD) the watch carries much of what is expected in the first 1000-piece batch of the officially released 5060A, with a 36mm case, closed caseback, and slim rubber strap with double deployment clasp. However, this 5060 differs in many ways; gone is the tapisserie dial but in place is a power reserve indicator that’s powered by a caliber 330/196 — a movement never again matched with the Aquanaut. The indexes and hands have aged a nice golden-brown, while the word “PROTOTYPE” in stark white is still clearly visible just left of the 3 o’clock date window. Check out the auction listing over at Antiquorum’s website for more info.
In other watch news, G-SHOCK launches premium GRAVITYMASTER, complete with Bluetooth connectivity.
