Patek Philippe Release First Self-Winding Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Chronograph for Women

It’s not just the Nautilus and Grand Complications that have received some love in Patek Philippe recent spate of releases. There’s also a new Aquanaut Luce ‘Rainbow’ Chronograph called the Ref. 7968/300R-001, which is the first model in the ladies’ collection to feature a self-winding chronograph.

It’s a pretty spectacular watch to take in. It has a 39.9mm case made from rose gold with a gem-set bezel featuring a double row of baguette diamonds and coloured sapphires in rainbow. This is one of the largest dedicated ladies’ Aquanauts we’ve seen from Patek, building on the Ref. 5268/200R from last year that increased the case size of the Aquanaut Luce automatic from 35.6mm to 38.8mm. It might have the label Luce, but in reality, it should be labelled a hip hop dream.

Another feature worthy of note is the fact the Aquanaut Luce ‘Rainbow’ Chronograph Ref. 7968/300R-001 houses a serious horological movement while the majority of the Aquanaut Luce collection is quartz. Specifically, this is the first ever Aquanaut Luce self-winding chronograph, powered by the Calibre CH 28-520 with central flyback chronograph hand and 60-minute timer at 6 o’clock.

As for price, between the 50 diamonds, 52 sapphires and rose gold case, the Aquanaut Luce ‘Rainbow’ Chronograph is priced at £171,420. For that kind of money there are plenty of other watches that are just as spectacular, but when it comes to gem-set drip with the Patek Philippe name, the Ref. 7968/300R-001 is right up there.