First introduced in 1997, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut is one of Patek Philippe’s newest collections, alongside the Twenty-4, which was launched in 1999. The CH 28-520 C movement that powers the watch is still almost 10 years young – the first chronograph movement in this Nautilus-inspired replica Rolex watch with a circular octagonal bezel.
With four independent catches and two side pushers, its patented design offers great reliability and ease of operation. It has two spring-loaded bars attached to the ends of the strap so that the strap must be trimmed to the wearer’s individual wrist size – a powerful move that allows no room for error. And for different occasions, Patek Philippe also offers the Aquanaut Chronograph with an additional black strap. 
The CG 28-520 C caliber was designed with some changes for use in the Aquanaut. the timepiece was omitted altogether. But what young and energetic person needs such a thing these days? The lower rotating minute counter wheel operates as a direct transmission ratio, allowing the elapsed minutes display to run continuously and not jump when the second’s hand passes “zero”. This mechanism is placed on the dial side of the chronograph.
The date display is also worth mentioning. It advances at midnight in fractions of a second – so fast that it is imperceptible to the human eye. It can be adjusted by means of an integrated push-piece located at 8 o’clock. Patek Philippe offers a correction stylus made of ebony and white gold, but a crown-based function would be more convenient.
The fake watch’s mechanism is housed in a stainless steel case with both polished and brushed finishes and is water-resistant to 120 meters. The crown guards give it a slightly asymmetrical appearance. All the screw-in operating elements work perfectly. Manual winding and setting operations are extremely smooth.
The Aquanaut Chronograph fits snugly on the wrist through the connection of the downward-sloping lugs and the rubber strap. The clasp closes gently and securely, while the crown feels solid and luxurious in the hand. Both offer exceptional performance in operation. The youthful, sporty spirit of this sporty timepiece extends to every detail.
