As part of its Watches and Wonders 2023 new releases, Patek Philippe is adding a rose gold Aquanaut Chronograph to its catalog to join the already-existing steel and white gold versions. The new Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968R-001 watch pairs an 18k rose gold case with a brown-to-black gradient sunburst dial and brown composite strap.
Like its counterparts, the new 2023 Aquanaut Chronograph 5968R sports a 120-meter water-resistant case that measures 42.2mm in diameter and 11.9mm thick. The right side of the case hosts the chronograph pushers that flank the winding crown. The characteristic rounded octagonal bezel benefits from both polished and satin-brushed finishes while the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal.
Housed inside the new rose gold case is a sunburst brown dial with a black-gradient rim, which is, of course, decorated with the signature Aquanaut convex grid pattern. The dial is punctuated with applied Arabic numerals and baton-style hands, all fashioned in gold to match the case and coated with luminescence. Adjacent to the hours are lume-filled plots for added in-the-dark legibility. There’s also a date window at 3 o’clock, a 60-minute chronograph counter at 6 o’clock, and a central chronograph hand.
The caseback of the new Patek Aquanaut Chronograph watch is furnished with the customary sapphire crystal for a view of the self-winding Caliber CH 28‑520 C flyback chronograph movement. Thanks to the caliber’s column wheel drive and vertical disk clutch system, the central chronograph seconds hand can double as the seconds hand and run continuously without any negative impact on the movement’s functionality. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 45 to 55 hours.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968R-001 is fitted with a brown composite strap, not only rendered in the same shade as the dial but also decorated with the same pattern–which makes it look almost like a block of Swiss chocolate. The strap is equipped with an Aquanaut fold-over clasp in 18k rose gold, complete with an engraving of Patek’s signature Calatrava cross.
This chocolatey goodness colorway is not new to the Aquanaut collection; Patek Philippe already offers it in the flagship time and date Aquanaut lineup, as well as, the complicated Aquanaut Travel Time range. No doubt this new Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968R in rose gold and brown will be as popular as the other two models. The price of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968R-001 is $75,700 USD, which is on par with the white gold version of the watch. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
