Design DNA
The Nautilus (today led by ref. 5811/1G) is Patek’s refined take on the integrated‑bracelet sports watch: porthole‑inspired bezel, horizontally grooved dial, and a seamless case‑to‑bracelet transition. The Aquanaut (e.g., 5167A, 5968A) is more relaxed: a rounded‑octagonal case with an embossed dial pattern and a comfortable composite strap. Both deliver Patek finishing without shouting.
Movements & complications
Under the hood, Patek uses the in‑house 26‑330 family for time‑and‑date pieces and builds up to travel‑time chronographs and annual calendars. The Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A keeps timing legible with a 60‑minute counter at six; the Aquanaut Travel Time 5164 displays local/home times cleanly. On the Nautilus side, recent references focus on elegant time‑and‑date or calendar/dual‑time executions while preserving the line’s slim, dress‑adjacent profile.
Water‑resistance: the 2024/25 shift
Historically, both lines were widely described around 120 m water‑resistance. In 2024, Patek’s official website began listing 30 m for many Nautilus and Aquanaut references, which stirred discussion in the community. Whatever the backstory, the prudent takeaway is simple: treat both as sport‑elegant watches — fine to wash hands or get caught in rain; for serious aquatic use, use a true ISO‑rated diver.
Fit & comfort
- Nautilus — wears broader thanks to its wing‑like shoulders and integrated bracelet; superb finishing, but the bracelet dictates the vibe.
• Aquanaut — usually lighter, with a curved case and composite ‘tropical’ strap that breathes well. Many prefer it for active daily wear.
Which to choose?
Crave a dressier, integrated‑bracelet statement? Nautilus. Want a modern, casual‑lux piece that handles travel/timekeeping with ease? Aquanaut — especially 5164 (Travel Time) or 5968 (Chronograph). As allocations vary, judge the watch itself: ergonomics, legibility, and how the finishing lands on your wrist.
At‑a‑glance
- Nautilus 5811/1G: white gold, sunburst blue dial with black‑gradient rim; slim sport‑elegant profile
• Aquanaut 5167A: 40.8 mm steel, embossed dial, composite strap
• Aquanaut 5968A: 42.2 mm steel, flyback chrono with 60‑min counter at 6
• Official WR (2024/25): many references now shown at 30 m on Patek.com
Sources
Patek — Nautilus 5811/1G official page: https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus/5811-1g-001
Patek — Aquanaut 5167A & 5968A official pages: https://www.patek.com/en/collection/aquanaut/5167a-001 ; https://www.patek.com/en/collection/aquanaut/5968a-001
Patek — Aquanaut & Nautilus collections: https://www.patek.com/en/collection/aquanaut ; https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus
Hodinkee — reporting on the 30 m water‑resistance language change (2024): https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/patek-new-water-resistance
