Aquanaut

Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut in 1997 as a steel sports watch on a composite strap. The rounded, eight-sided frame related it to the older Nautilus, but the patterned face, large Arabic numerals and black strap gave it a different appearance. The strap was part of the design from the beginning, not a substitute fitted after removing a bracelet.

On the early reference 5060, the raised pattern on the face was especially pronounced. The strap repeated it, continuing the grid beyond the edge of the case. In 2007, the larger 5167 refined that treatment: the dial pattern became shallower and the strap met the case more closely. The time-and-date layout stayed straightforward.

Later Aquanauts added precious-metal cases and other colours. The family also expanded beyond telling the time and date: the Travel Time model brought a second time zone, while the chronograph added a stopwatch. Those watches introduce more controls and information. The 5167A keeps the simpler arrangement of three central hands and a date.