I just picked this watch up the other day and wanted to share some photos. I never thought I'd ever own this model but the deal I got was too good to pass on. I always thought the watch wasn't bad looking from the photos but I was never in love the with rubber strap. Also I thought the price was very high for what you get. After 2 days now I have to say that I'm very impressed. The bracelet option makes the watch look outstanding IMO. Here are some photos and thoughts:
My first and only real complaint was the packaging. I know the newer models have really nice boxes now but the presentation here is not really what you expect for a watch at this price level, from a company that is widely considered as the top house is the world. I'm glad PP fixed it with the newer versions I wish they would have addressed it sooner. (Don't mind my wife's lip gloss!)
Here are some head shots of the dial. It is an acquired taste but the look really grows on you. I was comparing this watch with the Nautilus (ref.5711) yesterday and preferred the Aquanaut mainly because I really didn't like the look of the protruding fans on each side of the Nautilus's case.
The bracelet is really nice looking and very comfortable as well. As I said earlier I think the bracelet option has a much better look than the rubber strap. It’s hard for me to envision this class of watch on a rubber strap. My friend at work was cursing at me for buying this piece until he saw it in person on the metal bracelet. To be honest I probably would have passed on the watch if it came with just the rubber strap. The only thing that could have been improved upon with the bracelet is the deployant clasp. Its kind of a pain the un-hook the clasp.
The movement is beautiful.....enough said here.
As you can see the case is pretty thin, it probably adds to the comfort of the watch.
Here are some wrist shots...........
......and a shot made up of Switzerland’s "Big Three"
In ending, I'm very pleased with the watch and glad to have ended up with it. This is probably Patek's most controversial watch still in production, people either love it or hate it. I for one love owning a watch that it seems so many despise. Is the Aquanaut twice as nice from a pre-owned price standpoint when comparing it AP or VC pictured above.......no definitely not! The price differential is based mainly on Patek's outstanding marketing and low production numbers on this piece. With that being said, certainly it’s a watch I'm very happy that I own now. I hope the review is helpful.
Tony