The Aquanaut Haute Joaillerie minute repeater leads a star-studded cast of bejewelled offerings
Patek Philippe is sending collectors in a tizzy with a generous shower of diamonds and multi-coloured sapphires. The Geneva-based watchmaking house has dropped a whopping seven new Aquanaut and Nautilus models for women who like their watches loud and glamorous with just a hint of sportive nonchalance.
The Aquanaut Luce ‘Rainbow’ Minute Repeater Haute Joaillerie is the undisputed star of this show. The latest—and most technically sophisticated—Aquanaut Luce offering yet, the watch is a huge step-up from previous complications such as the Travel Time, automatic chronograph and annual calendar models that have been rolled out since 2021.
Here, the ‘rainbow’ sobriquet is demonstrated in no uncertain terms. A stunning, gradated assemblage of multi-coloured sapphires light up two rose gold models—on the hour markers and bezel that frames a diamond-paved dial for the ‘simpler’ version with a choice of three coloured rubber straps (Reference 5260/355R); or all over on the bezel, markers and bracelet on the full-on iteration comprising 779 baguette sapphires and 131 diamonds totalling over 55 carats (Reference 5260/1455R).
The watches’ forthright sparkle, however, is backed by mechanical prowess. A slider on the left activates a chiming mechanism with cathedral-style gongs that sound out the time. This is made possible by Patek Philippe’s famed Caliber R 27 automatic minute repeater movement that serves as a base for many of its modern chiming watches, including the legendary Grandmaster Chime.
However, if it is no-holds-barred sparkle that you want, Patek Philippe has you covered with three new Nautilus Haute Joaillerie models. The art of snow-setting takes centrestage on this trio, paved with 1,500 brilliant-cut diamonds and a choice of 876 rubies, emeralds or blue sapphires.
On a white gold canvas, the gem-setter carefully selects the stones of various diameters and sets them in a manner that almost entirely obscures the precious metal underneath. Regardless of your preferred coloured stone, the new Nautilus Haute Joaillerie watches take the collection’s spirit of sportive luxury to the extreme.
Rounding off the dazzling bejewelled line-up are two Ladies’ Nautilus variants designed for daily wear. A judicious sprinkle of 46 diamonds on the bezel is enough to do the job, setting off the resplendent 32mm rose gold case and lustrous lacquered purple dial with the collection’s distinctive wave motif. You can choose between the version with fabric strap or one with full gold bracelet. Though in the spirit of the high-octane collection—and for undeniable swag—the latter makes a more enticing proposition.
