A rare early Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5065J in yellow gold, featuring a tritium dial and thick font date-wheel presented as a full set originally retailed by Patek Philippe boutique Wempe in Germany.
The ref. 5065J ‘Jumbo’ marked an evolution in the Aquanaut line, expanding the case size to 38mm (up from 36mm) and housing the updated calibre 315 SC. Unlike its solid back predecessors, this example showcases a sapphire display back, offering a clear view of the finely finished movement within.
The Aquanaut reinterprets hallmark design cues of the Nautilus, including the iconic rounded octagonal bezel. Its yellow gold case is executed with a high degree of finishing, satin brushed on the front with polished bevelled edges, while ensuring water resistance up to 120m through a screw down crown.
The black embossed checkerboard dial, designed to echo the texture of the strap, is set with applied gold numerals. Its tritium luminous plots have aged into a warm creamy patina, perfectly matched by both the tropical black rubber strap and the original green Patek strap, which complement the dial and gold case beautifully.
Inside beats the automatic calibre 315 SC, a movement introduced in 1984. With 29 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, a shock absorber mechanism, a self compensating flat balance spring, and a monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, it represents Patek Philippe’s dedication to precision and resilience. The solid gold rotor is decorated with classic Geneva stripes, highlighting the manufacture’s finishing standards.
This Patek Philippe 5065J Aquanaut represents not only the earliest years of the Aquanaut’s evolution, but also a true collector’s example with its rare tritium dial, tropical and green straps, full set provenance, and Wempe signed delivery.
Details:
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Reference: 5065J
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Year: 1999
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Case Size: 38mm, 18k yellow gold
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Dial: Black embossed dial with aged tritium lume
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Bezel: Rounded octagonal bezel, satin and polished finishing
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Movement: Caliber 315 SC, automatic, sapphire caseback
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Bracelet: Tropical black rubber strap + original green Patek rubber strap
Set Includes:
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Original inner and outer boxes
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Certificate of origin
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Manuals and leather document holder
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Original sale from Wempe, Germany
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Additional green rubber strap
Condition:
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Excellent condition with minimal signs of wear
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Case and bezel retain sharp edges and factory finishing
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Tritium lume has aged to a warm, even patina
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Running well, all functions operating as intended
A rare opportunity to own an early Aquanaut with a tritium dial and full provenance—an exceptional and historically significant piece from the origins of the Aquanaut line.
