The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph was a focal point of the most recent Inter Miami vs. Lionel Messi match, showcasing the player’s watchmaking prowess.
Although the well-known Argentine soccer player owns numerous watches from various brands, he has been wearing his family’s Genevan watch more often lately than any other. He attended the Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris in February 2017 wearing a platinum Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (reference number 5270P).
Many months prior, he had worn a white-gold Nautilus Perpetual Calendar (reference number 5740/1G) at the World Cup. His watch is a white and gold Aquanaut Chronograph, as shown by the number 5968G.
In 2021, Patek introduced the white and gold Aquanaut Chronograph with reference number 5968G. In addition, the $75,700 model features a checkerboard dial in khaki or midnight blue. Messi decided to wear a dark blue face with a gradient black rim.
The intricate internal workings of the watch are shielded by the smooth-finish white-gold case, which is little larger than 42 millimeters. It can withstand water up to 120 meters (394 feet) deep. The date display is at three o’clock, and the sixty-minute counter is at six o’clock, both of which complement the bezel’s sleek octagonal design. The center chronograph hand becomes a seconds hand that is constantly visible on the watch face when the CH 28-520 C self-winding mechanical movement is used to fly back.
Like the face, the resin strap is blue. The watchmaker’s unique fold-over clasp is robust and long-lasting thanks to its four distinct catches.
Besides Patek, Messi also wears watches from Audemars Piguet and Rolex. In 2021, the football player signed a $80 million contract with Paris Saint-Germain, which included a limited-edition Royal Oak from AP and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master. For Patek, 2023 is the most significant year.