In 1996, Patek Philippe unveiled the 5060A, their distinct interpretation of the luxury steel sports watch, characterised by a stainless steel case, a checkerboard dial, and a rubber strap. This model, believed to have been inspired by a military request, represented a shift towards a more contemporary and sporty aesthetic.
The 2007 reference 5165, celebrating a decade of the Aquanaut, merged the original's 38mm dimension with a refreshed design, available for only about five years and solely in stainless steel. This version, and its larger counterpart, the 5167, updated the classic Aquanaut look with a dial texture reminiscent of a grenade, a departure from the brand's usual style, and featured a shallower, more curved dial aligning with the case's increased roundness.
The 38mm case, with its finely polished edges and a flat, brushed bezel surrounding the dial, along with the textured "tropical" rubber strap, presented a cohesive, modern look. Powering the 5165A was the self-winding calibre 324 SC, an upgrade from the 315, offering enhanced precision and a longer power reserve, all while maintaining the quintessential Patek Philippe craftsmanship.
