Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo White Gold 5168G now in Khaki Green

In 2017, Patek Philippe (sort of) celebrated the 20th anniversary of its iconic yet entry-level sports watch, the Aquanaut, by presenting an oversized “Jumbo” model in white gold with a blue dial, the reference 5168G-001. With its case size increased by 2mm and its precious metal case, it was a bit of a controversial piece. Well, there’s a new version of the Aquanaut 5168G in town and its colour scheme is certainly going to be a topic of discussion. Meet the Khaki Green Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo.

At the 1997 Basel show, Patek Philippe presented the new Aquanaut Ref. 5060A, a sporty, yet chic and contemporary watch for men in stainless steel designed to appeal to a younger generation. Less “classical”, less expensive and more suited for daily use, the Aquanaut took inspiration from the Nautilus and adopted its iconic octagonal/porthole shape. However,  the overall look and construction were simpler with a 3-part case and a rubber strap instead of an integrated steel bracelet.  Later, the Aquanaut evolved slightly with the 5167, a bit more refined and rounded than before.

In 2017, a new version was introduced, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 5168G-001, and it did not just involve a new colour. The case was a “Jumbo” version, with a 42.2mm diameter, a departure from the usual small, compact and thin case of the 5167A. And, as you’ve guessed in the reference, this watch was crafted in white gold and not in the usual stainless steel found on the “standard” model. Larger, more luxurious, and with an unprecedented colour for this watch, it certainly was a love or hate watch when it was presented.

Taking into account this younger, less serious approach adopted by Patek for the Aquanaut, this watch is the perfect model to play with some bolder designs. This is exactly what the brand has done with the new Aquanaut Jumbo 42mm White Gold 5168G now in Khaki Green – in a way, it is an Instagram-inspired watch, as we’ve seen multiple owners fitting their 5167A on khaki rubber straps on this social platform. Well, Patek has done it for real.

Compared to the previous blue dial version, the new 18k white gold Khaki Green Aquanaut 5168G is just a different colour. All the specifications, dimensions, materials, indexes, hands and embossed pattern on the dial are identical to its predecessor and hallmark Aquanaut traits.  Unfortunately, for some, there is no stainless steel option.

The combination of a Khaki Green dial with a white metal and a matching rubber strap is – at least on photos – pleasant. It gives an almost military look to the watch, more toolish than ever – or simply more trendy.

Inside the case is the same movement as all 3-hand Aquanaut, meaning the calibre 324, a three-hander with date at 3 o’clock, the Patek seal and -3 / +2 seconds per day accuracy. The movement is still visible from the back, beats at 4Hz and boasts 35h to 45h of power reserve.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 5168G Khaki Green will be priced at EUR 35,710.