Patek Philippe Launches Steel Aquanaut and Complex Milan Editions

Key points

• Patek Philippe released seven limited-edition watches at the Milan Watch Art Grand Exhibition, running from October 2 to 18, 2026.
• The new Aquanaut reference 5167A-014 features a 40.8mm stainless steel case, a blue sunburst dial with red accents, and is limited to 250 pieces.
• The Aquanaut is priced at $43,761 (or €41,200) and is available only through authorized dealers, not at the exhibition itself.
• The exhibition also featured the reference 5978P, a new perpetual calendar chronograph limited to 120 pieces, combining an instantaneous calendar with a chronograph for the first time in a single Patek Philippe watch.
• President Thierry Stern emphasized that the exhibition's primary goal is education and supporting retailers, not direct sales, with all new models available only through authorized dealers.

Background

Patek Philippe has previously held Watch Art Grand Exhibitions in Dubai, Munich, London, New York, Singapore, and Tokyo, each featuring limited-edition releases exclusive to the host market. The Aquanaut reference 5167 was first introduced in 2007 to celebrate the model's 10th anniversary, and the brand has a history of releasing Italian-flag-themed timepieces at Milan events.

How outlets are covering it

Gear Patrol highlights the Aquanaut's new color scheme as a way to distinguish it from the more famous Nautilus, while Robb Report emphasizes the broader exhibition's educational focus and the significance of the new perpetual calendar chronograph. Hodinkee focuses on the technical novelty of the 5978P, noting it is the seventh perpetual calendar chronograph in Patek Philippe's history, while Monochrome Watches provides detailed technical specifications for the Aquanaut, including its movement and price in euros.

Why it matters

The release of a steel Aquanaut with a distinctive dial and the introduction of a new perpetual calendar chronograph demonstrate Patek Philippe's continued innovation in both sports and high-complication watches, while the exhibition's focus on education reflects the brand's strategy to engage a broader audience beyond existing collectors.

What to watch

The seven limited-edition watches will be available through authorized Patek Philippe dealers in Italy, with the exhibition running until October 18, 2026. The 5978P may eventually join the wider catalog, though its initial release is limited to 120 pieces for the Italian market.