Introducing Watch Out, “Rainbow” Daytona – Patek Philippe unveils gem-set Aquanaut
This is Patek Philippe's first self-winding ladies' chronograph - but with a diameter of 39mm, we think it's just as suitable for boys.replica Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990 Watches
Today is Patek Philippe International Day! Not really, but the old-school Swiss watchmaker is dropping new release bombs to the left, right and center, so it might as well be. Some versions aren't old-school at all.
For example, this chronograph gem.
I present to you the Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Chronograph Ref. 7968/300R-001. A rainbow, a unicorn, a rare Pokemon... whatever the horological term for this piece, it's covered in 50 baguette diamonds and 52 coloured sapphires. This is incredible.
Rainbow watches are not a new concept. almost not. Several other brands are also involved in this phenomenon. But so far, proper rainbow hysteria has been attributed to almost only one watch: the Rolex "Rainbow" Daytona. Since 2012, Rainbow Daytonas have enjoyed a strong reputation in the collecting world, thus having a knock-on effect on the diamond-set watch market. Entries from other brands include Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Sapphire Rainbow, Chanel J12 Electro, Audemars Piguet’s jewel-encrusted Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Music Edition and more. replica men watches
Aquanaut Luce is the "lady" gem-set offshoot of Aquanaut, and I live for baby Aquanaut, aka "Mini Luce," ref. 4961A, the bigger one is fine for me. It brings the watch closer to being gender-neutral, if a jewel-laden wrist can be called that.
Surprisingly, this Aquanaut is Patek Philippe's first self-winding ladies' chronograph. A new complication for the Aquanaut Luce collection.
The chronograph is equipped with the self-winding calibre CH 28-520. A large 60-minute counter is located at 6 o’clock, and the scanning chronograph hand also serves as a continuously running seconds hand. With the pusher at 4 o’clock, the flyback function can start a new measurement at any time, even if the swept chronograph hand is already measuring the duration of an event or is being used as a continuously running seconds hand. The format is traditional: chronograph start and stop The pusher is at 2 o'clock and the chronograph reset and flyback function pushers are at 4 o'clock.
Now it's a gem...that leaves me flabbergasted. The octagonal bezel is decorated with two rows of baguette-cut stones. The inner row consists of 40 flawless and rare Top Wesselton white diamonds (2.05 ct) and the outer row is set with 40 iridescent sapphires (2.31 ct). This is Patek Philippe, the factory gem-setting master, so we can expect nothing less than individually hand-picked stones, a daunting feat when the color-to-color transitions in the rainbow must remain seamless.Audemars Piguet replica Watches
The "invisible setting" technique used means that the stones have been set on "metal rails" that cannot be seen from the outside of the case. Mother-of-pearl dial engraved with the Aquanaut motif, 18K rose gold applied Arabic numerals and 18K rose gold applied hour-markers, set with iridescent baguette sapphires. Rod-shaped hands with luminous rose gold make the hours and minutes quick and easy to read.
While I wish the watch was a little smaller, I can't always have everything I want. The case measures 39.9mm, probably because of the gemstones - as far as I'm concerned, the more the better. Both chronograph pushers are satin-finished, while the CH 28-520 movement has also been carefully polished. You can take a closer look through the sapphire crystal case back.
With so many big releases this year, it's hard to remember them with memory (that's what our archive is for). But I bet the Patek Rainbow will be one we won't forget. And it will definitely change the gem setting scene, which is something I care a lot about and think collector credibility has expired.high quality replica watches
This is a watch that makes my heart race; rare celestial events like Halley's Comet or the transit of Venus. I want to bathe in the light of the rainbow.
The "Rainbow" nomenclature does make it feel like it's a Rolex trademark, but it's really just a nickname. Many other brands create rainbows. This one feels different. I think we have a real contender in the heavyweight lineup. A clear futuristic collectible.
Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Chronograph Reference. The 7968/300R-001 is also a triumph for Team Complication – a group of women who have yet to officially join forces to print their namesake t-shirts, but have unanimously called on watchmakers to produce real mechanical movements with real complications for their female customers. I know these women exist because I'm one of them - and this kind of conversation happens a lot.
Patek Philippe has released some ladies chronographs in the past, ref. 7071 and ref. 7150/250R-001, while these are beautiful watches in their own right, I appreciate Patek Philippe releasing a model that is very present in the zeitgeist of mainstream culture, in a smaller size with compensation. Patek Philippe is undoubtedly the leader in women's Automatic replica watches, but like many other brands, when they make a "ladies" size, they usually have a quartz movement, so a scaled-down version of the Aquanaut A with a mechanical movement and complications is an effort.
We're finally seeing other high-end brands enter the market (see the Vacheron Constantin Heritage Perpetual Calendar Slim, released this summer), so let's hope it's a trend - and then, in the end, that's what it is. In this blissful future state, I'd love to see a watch like this Aquanaut appear in the full-size range. It's also cool that a lot of women seem to wear big watches as a symbol of liberation these days, but to some of us, big watches look silly. At least an option for a 36, 34 or 31mm case would be nice.
I do feel like the motivation is on my side. Here we have a self-winding Ladies Rainbow Chronograph from Patek Philippe. Wow.
Now let's move on.
Jewelry is beautiful and will attract a lot of attention, but they are not the focus here. Spread the word: Women want more complications! RICHARD MILLE RM 11-03 LE MANS CLASSIC
Basic knowledge
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Aquanaut Luce "Rainbow" Chronograph
Reference number: Ref. 7968/300R-001
Diameter: 39.9 mm
Thickness: 10.37 mm
Case Material: 18K Rose Gold
Dial Color: White mother-of-pearl hour markers
: 18K rose gold applied Arabic numerals and 12 18K rose gold applied hour markers with coloured baguette sapphire luminous
:Yes
: 30m
Strap/Bracelet: Composite
sports
Movement: CH 28-520
Function: Self-winding mechanical movement. Flyback chronograph with 60-minute counter.
Diameter: 30 mm
Thickness: 5.3mm
Power reserve: 45-55 hours winding
: Automatic winding
Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
Gems: 32
