Seeing Red
The Aquanaut Luce Ref 5062 dazzles with megawatt bling factor, yet on the inside, a beautiful classical self-winding movement carefully keeps tabs on time’s swift and steady passage – proof that Patek Philippe focuses as much on the design as it does on the movement.
A Patek Philippe icon, the Aquanaut is instantly recognisable thanks to its cushion-shaped case and unique rubber strap embossed with rows of squares echoing the pattern on the dial.
In this high jewellery version, instead of the usual grid pattern, the dial is set full of baguette diamonds following exactly where each and every square would have been.
This is an extremely arduous process where each of the 76 stones has to be meticulously examined so it fits the area perfectly. The result is a subtle three-dimensional effect resembling a glittering disco ball. Notice also the complete absence of prongs as Patek Philippe went for the invisible setting technique to achieve a harmonious aesthetic.
Baguette diamonds are also used for the hour markers and even the hour-minute hands were set with stones – how extravagant – and the remaining dial space is snow-set with 160 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Not forgetting the additional 48 baguette diamonds on the bezel and lugs, the entire case is crafted in polished rose gold but with a sapphire crystal caseback to show off the movement, Calibre 324.
Like all Aquanauts, this stunning timepiece comes with a pearly beige rubber strap with the requisite square grid embossing and a fold-over clasp set with a further 10 baguette diamonds.
Rubber straps may not sound awfully red carpet-ready, but you know this is no ordinary rubber strap watch.
