 |
 |
 |
||
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Swiss automatic | Quartz |
| Case Size | 40.8mm, 42.2mm | 40mm | 35.5mm | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm, 49.8mm | 52.7mm | 39mm | 47mm |
| Band | Rubber strap, stainless steel | Rubber strap | Leather strap | Rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 120m | 30m | 50m | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
|
|
|
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
|
Buy Now at Specht and Sohne
|
Buy Now at World Tempus
|
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
Patek Philippe Aquanaut
|
|
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 40.8mm, 42.2mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm, 49.8mm |
| Band | Rubber strap, stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 120m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
|
Specht and Sohne Aquanaut Homage
|
|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 52.7mm |
| Band | Rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Specht and Sohne
|
John Isaac Rough Sea
|
|
| Movement | Swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 35.5mm |
| Lug to Lug | 39mm |
| Band | Leather strap |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at World Tempus
|
Linbert Aquanaut Quartz
|
|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm |
| Band | Rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
Like so many spot-light grabbing kid brothers before it, the Aquanaut may have been modeled after the Nautilus, but earned itself its own, distinct fanbase.
This is likely because the Aquanaut, by design, is a more eye-catching timepiece, meant for a modern audience. Its now-iconic grenade dial and sporty look was Patek’s answer to a new set of young people with means produced by the dot-com boom.
It’s almost like a grown-up toy built to Swiss luxury standards from an auction powerhouse brand.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
In order to build this round-up, I consulted colleagues, collectors of all levels, experts in the field I work in (high-end auctions), and information gathered from hours of diving into forums and Reddit threads, and watching reviews.
With my professional experience handling basically every model of Patek watch as a comparison, I landed on these six Patek Philippe Aquanaut homages.
6 Best Patek Philippe Aquanaut Homages
Image Source: Specht And Sohne
The Specht and Sohne Aquanaut Homage not only takes inspiration from the Patek’s look and feel, but implements it to a high-level—especially for its price.
Each colorway sports the murkier outerdial that gives way to the brighter center dial, making it look like there’s a spotlight on the grenade-embossed background. Moreover, the Arabic indices are applied and aligned perfectly.
Speaking of the colorways, Specht and Sohne offers nine variations, including ones with subdials, and even one inspired by the well-loved 5968A-01 Aquanaut, which has bright orange second markers.
Several recognizably premium qualities include its immaculate finishing that looks high-end under any type of light, the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and the brilliant, long-lasting lume.
It runs on Miyota’s Caliber 8215, a robust automatic workhorse, that’s also easily serviced, which means it can last you decades, if not more.
What I Like
- Not only is this watch close-to-template and well-applied, but it comes in a lot of the same fun variations and colorways that the Aquanaut does.
- It’s functionally sound, boasting both a bright and effective lume, as well as a reliable automatic movement.
- The high-quality finishing provides exquisite lightplay and dimensionality at every angle of the case.
What I Don’t Like
- The polishing is great, but makes many parts of the case real fingerprint magnets.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
While this homage is popular in watch forums and Reddit threads, trying to find a review on it can cause a lot of confusion because Specht and Sohne built a lower-quality, quartz version a while back. Most video reviews on YouTube are on that version, so just be aware.
At one point, I started to watch a video review and thought, “this watch certainly doesn’t look like it’s worth the price,” before I realized it wasn’t the right version.
The Verdict
With its attention to detail and respectable specs, the Specht and Sohne Aquanaut Homage hits high marks all around. It comes in a wide range of colorways and variants, which is one of the reasons the actual Aquanaut is so popular.
Meanwhile, it’s powered by a reliable and easily-serviced automatic movement, equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and has a bright and long-lasting lume on its perfectly-finished dial.
With its attention to detail and respectable specs, the Specht and Sohne Aquanaut Homage hits high marks all around. It comes in a wide range of colorways and variants, which is one of the reasons the actual Aquanaut is so popular.
Image Source: World Tempus
A luxury Swiss watch in its own right, the John Isaac Rough Sea does exactly what a high-end homage should do: It focuses on doing its source material justice by implementing thoughtful differences.
The case is just as dimensional and the dial just as topographical as the Aquanaut. Even the palette is reminiscent of the prior-mentioned 5968A-01, with its orange accents.
Still, it takes the youthful vibe even further, with much smoother lines on its silhouette, and a delightful, Wonderland-esque 12 marker. The background is John Isaac’s Tablette de Chocolat design, which is a simple but visually effective graph embossing.
Not only is the entire watch finished to perfection, but the strap is made out of buffalo leather, which is durable, highly elastic, and resistant to burns and pressure.
Through the sapphire caseback, you can admire the Swiss automatic movement, which is a fuss-free ETA that’s been decorated with attractive Cotes de Geneve stripes, and a logo-embossed rotor.
What I Like
- With its impeccable applications and finishing, and its soft leather strap, this watch is a true premium Swiss timepiece.
- Brand-specific differences, like the Tablette de Chocolat and fanciful 12 marker, make the design stand out from the Aquanaut.
- The Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement is durable, accurate, and well-decorated.
What I Don’t Like
- The in-the-thousands price tag makes a lot of people want to put this watch under the “alternatives” categorization, but make no mistake about it: It’s 100% inspired by the Aquanaut.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
While most reviewers and forum-goers agree that this watch flaunts an eye-catching look and high-end Swiss construction, there are complaints about the price.
It’s definitely a unique homage, in that very few homage-makers build their look-alikes with this much distinct personality and at this premium of a level.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a Swiss made high-functioning timepiece that’s inspired by the Aquanaut, but goes its own distinct direction, the John Isaac Rough Sea is for you. Not only does it lean extra hard into the Aquanaut’s fun and young aesthetic, but is sophisticatedly-built with high-end materials.
Yes, it has a premium Swiss price tag, but its cost is still a small fraction of even the most affordable Patek.
If you’re looking for a Swiss made high-functioning timepiece that’s inspired by the Aquanaut, but goes its own distinct direction, the John Isaac Rough Sea is for you. Not only does it lean extra hard into the Aquanaut’s fun and young aesthetic, but is sophisticatedly-built with high-end materials.
Image Source: AliExpress
While most Aquanaut homage-makers stick to the simpler, core version, Linbert’s homage takes on the slightly more challenging subdial variant.
Even better, is that they actually emboss the dial versus printing it on, which so many bad homage-makers do while also attempting to sell their lookalikes at this very same price point.
The bezel is well-brushed, which makes the polished exposed step around it shine even more. Between that and the almost one-to-one size and proportions, this watch’s usually sub-50 price point is even more impressive.
The dial even has the dark gradient at its outer edges, another quality that lookalikes at this price point often skip.
What I Like
- This watch is almost one-to-one with the Aquanaut, design-wise and size-wise.
- The price point is extraordinary, considering its attention to detail and applications.
- When buying this watch from AliExpress, it comes with a 75-day buyer protection and free shipping.
What I Don’t Like
- The product descriptions are misleading, claiming the glass they use is sapphire—it’s definitely not sapphire.
- This watch has virtually no lume.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
A lot of superlatives get thrown around in reviews for this watch. Most are impressed with the wildly low price for how good it looks.
Some forum-goers complain about its non-mechanical movement, but a quartz doesn’t bother me at this price point. Besides, it’s more accurate than a mid-tier automatic.
The Verdict
Not only does Linbert Aquanaut Quartz look like the actual Patek, but it wears like it too, thanks to its similar size and height. With its commendable build and finish, this watch offers an undeniable value proposition.
Not only does Linbert Aquanaut Quartz look like the actual Patek, but it wears like it too, thanks to its similar size and height. With its commendable build and finish, this watch offers an undeniable value proposition.
Image Source: Viva Timepiece
We have to give the Automatic Linbert Aquanaut Homage its own category, mainly because it’s more than double the price. Though, its sub-120 tag is still far below market considering what you get.
During deliberation, this version was actually in the running for the top pick. As mentioned under the quartz version’s overview, the finishing and applications are excellent, and it even has better water resistance than the Specht and Sohne.
It ends up being a close second since its “ETA” Caliber 2813, while perfectly reliable, is essentially a Miyota 8215 clone, which is what the Specht and Sohne runs on.
The main difference between the two is that the 2813 is made in China, from one of many factories. You never really know which one it’s coming from, and can vary in how well it’s serviced. You’re likely never going to end up with a dud, but you might end up with one that needs some quick adjustments at your local watch shop.
What I Like
- Just like its quartz version, this watch looks and feels like the Aquanaut, even despite its heavier automatic movement.
- It comes in nine colorways, including ones inspired by distinct and popular Aquanaut variants. They even offer versions with maroon accents which are difficult to find in the homage world.
- The automatic movement is dependable when properly serviced.
What I Don’t Like
- Unlike its quartz counterpart, this version doesn’t have the subdial available.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Since it comes in so many colorways, and as a mechanical and a quartz, Linbert is a go-to watchmaker for Aquanaut homages. Reviewers point out how they take heed to include details that so many other homage-makers don’t. Unsurprisingly, this automatic version is the more popular option.
The Verdict
Even though it’s more than double the cost of the quartz version, the Linbert Aquanaut Automatic still punches way above its price point. It also looks and wears like its inspiration model, but with a caliber that’s far more satisfying to the horologically curious.
Even though it’s more than double the cost of the quartz version, the Linbert Aquanaut Automatic still punches way above its price point. It also looks and wears like its inspiration model, but with a caliber that’s far more satisfying to the horologically curious.
Though it’s hard to tell with these giant Chinese homage companies, it’s likely that LGXIGE and its related brand name, Time Warrior, are cheaper branches of Spect and Sohne. Or, all of these names are under one, bigger group.
Either way, the LGXIGE and Time Warrior Aquanauts, though powered by more economical quartz movements, still scratch that Patek itch visually.
There are two main reasons to pay a bit more for an LGXIGE or Time Warriors watch over the much cheaper Linbert Quartz.
First, they come in much more nuanced variants, including the orange second marker colorway and one with a unique stainless steel bracelet. Second, if you’re in North America, they’re available on Amazon for much quicker shipping than you’d get at AliExpress.
What I Like
- The finishing on this watch is strategic, with especially excellent brushing and polishing where the light hits most often, like at the top of the case.
- A rare offering with homages, this watch comes in a stainless steel bracelet version inspired by the Aquanaut’s own steel bracelet.
- The LGXIGE and Time Warrior brands are easily available for quick shipping to western countries via online retailers like Amazon.
What I Don’t Like
- This watch isn’t at all water resistant.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
This homage is popular and highly rated on Amazon.
A few reviews mention seeing imperfections in the finishing at the bottom sides of the case, though this isn’t something most people would immediately notice.
The Verdict
The LGXIGE homage is another great option if your main priority is visuals. It looks well-finished at first, and second, glance, and is a lot more easily available to Western buyers than most comparable Chinese homages.
The LGXIGE homage is another great option if your main priority is visuals. It looks well-finished at first, and second, glance, and is a lot more easily available to Western buyers than most comparable Chinese homages.
Image Source: AliExpress
As with all Bliger homages, this coffee brown Aquanaut honors the original with a generally bang-for-buck construction and design. The grenade-embossed dial, the applied Arabic numbers, and even the sweeping lines of the case are all on point.
Though Bliger isn’t forthcoming about the movement, it’s likely a Chinese DG28 based on its affordability, robustness, and the fact it’s a commonly-used budget automatic for the brand.
The DG28 is pretty accurate, though roughly-finished.
Visually, the main unique offering Bliger brings to the table is their option for logoless dials, which is the case with this homage.
What I Like
- The 39mm case is versatile and can suit most wrist sizes.
- This version offers Bliger’s signature sterile dial, which is perfect for you if you prefer a cleaner look.
- While the dial protector is made of mineral, it has a clever synthetic sapphire layer on the top for scratch prevention.
What I Don’t Like
- The “leather” strap is stiff, definitely fake, and worth replacing.
- While I’m pretty sure the movement is a DG28, you can never be too sure without Bliger’s confirmation.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
As always, Bliger is a popular brand for the label-free look you minimalists love so much.
There are some complaints about its imperfect finishing, which like the LGXIGE, isn’t offensive to me (and most people) at this price point.
The Verdict
Aside from being an affordable and well-executed homage, the main appeal of Bliger’s Aquanaut is its sterile dial. The fact it runs on an automatic is icing on the cake.
Aside from being an affordable and well-executed homage, the main appeal of Bliger’s Aquanaut is its sterile dial. The fact it runs on an automatic is icing on the cake.
3 Quality Patek Philippe Aquanaut Alternatives
While Aquanaut homages are affordable tributes, an alternative is a comparable model that isn’t necessarily affordable. It doesn’t necessarily look like the Aquanaut either.
Often, alternative models are competitor watches, or even counterparts within the same brand. Making market comparisons is a necessary part of watch-buying, so make sure to check out these three worthwhile alternatives.
Since the Aquanaut was originally designed as a sort-of off-shoot of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the former definitely wouldn’t have come along if not for the latter. The Nautilus has a similarly unique bezel, octagon-shaped, and a simpler embossed dial.
As such, it has a refined, more grown-up look than the Aquanaut, and arguably has better name-recognition too. More casual watch fans might look at the Aquanaut and assume it’s simply a variant of the Nautilus.
Image Source: Jomashop
Like the Aquanaut, the Piaget Polo S is also a mix of athletic and dressy features, with some unconventional shape combinations on its dial and case. The bloated square dial surrounded by the perfectly circular, stark black case is a unique and dissonant aesthetic.
Also, the two-subdial chronograph design makes the Polo S look more straight-forwardly sporty than the Aquanaut. Still, this watch, even at its 10k to 15k price range, is much more affordable, while still offering that desirable Swiss pedigree.
Image Source: Laurent Ferrier
The Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon is what you get if you took either the Nautilus or the Aquanaut, smoothed out its edges, and dressed it up a bit. It’s still an unconventional sport watch, but the slick lines and simplicity give it a wider range of versatility than the Aquanaut.
Moreover, it runs on an incredibly sophisticated movement. The tourbillon caliber not only makes this watch extra accurate, but gives the movement a fascinatingly complex design that you can see through the watch’s caseback.
Which Patek Philippe Aquanaut Homage Should You Get?
The Specht and Sohne Homage offers a similar aesthetic to the Aquanaut without skimping on functionality.
With its attention to detail and respectable specs, the Specht and Sohne Aquanaut Homage hits high marks all around. It comes in a wide range of colorways and variants, which is one of the reasons the actual Aquanaut is so popular.
Meanwhile, the luxurious John Isaac Rough Sea is a more playful take, with a serious high-end Swiss construction.
If you’re looking for a Swiss made high-functioning timepiece that’s inspired by the Aquanaut, but goes its own distinct direction, the John Isaac Rough Sea is for you. Not only does it lean extra hard into the Aquanaut’s fun and young aesthetic, but is sophisticatedly-built with high-end materials.
If you’re in it for the visuals, Linbert’s homages are super close-to-template and come as both a quartz or an automatic, though the LGXIGE offers faster shipping.
In classic Bliger fashion, their homage is also nigh similar to its inspiration, combined with a logoless dial for you minimalists.
With one of these six homages, you can save yourself the time, stress, and debt that comes with an actual Aquanaut.
FAQ
How much is the Patek Aquanaut?
Aquanuts range from around $35,000 to well over $150,000.
Is Patek Philippe a good investment?
Yes, Patek watches, especially flagship models like the Nautilus and the Aquanaut, are popular auction items. They’ll likely go up in value, and will at least maintain their value more often than not.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
Recommended Reading
6 Best Patek Philippe Nautilus Homages & Alternatives in 2023
If you love the Patek Philippe Nautilus’s uniquely elegant tool aesthetic, check out these six best homages.
3 Best Rolex Sky-Dweller Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Want the complex look of the Sky-Dweller on a budget? Take a look at our best Rolex Sky-Dweller homages and alternatives.
6 Best Omega Globemaster Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Want the striking yet versatile aesthetic of Omega’s Globemaster? Check out our six choice homages to get the look for less.
6 Best Rolex Datejust Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Looking for a watch with the versatile sophistication of the Rolex Datejust? Check out our picks for its best homages and alternatives.
6 Best Rolex Day-Date Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Don’t pull the trigger on a Rolex Day-Date without looking at our excellent homages and alternatives. You just might save a few thousand dollars.