Patek Philippe - Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Chronograph Ref. 7968

Patek Philippe launched the Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” chronograph 7968/300R-001, the first automatic ladies’ chronograph of the brand. Price €214,630

Patek Philippe enriched its feminine line with the Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” chronograph Ref. 7968/300R-001, the first self-winding Patek Philippe ladies’ chronograph.

Launched in 2004, the Aquanaut Luce line is characterised by bezels set with diamonds which explain the name “Luce”, the Italian for light. For this model Patek Philippe chose to play with gems of different colours.

The octagonal bezel is adorned with two rows of baguette-cut gems. The inner row consists of 40 flawless rare white Top Wesselton diamonds (2.05 ct). The outer one, slightly angled, sports 40 sapphires in the colors of the rainbow (2.31 ct). Each of them was hand-picked to assure the perfect transition from one nuance color to the next.

For this two-row arrangement, Patek Philippe selected the elaborate “invisible setting” technique in which the gems are horizontally notched on the lower facet. They can then be set on “metal rails” that are invisible from the outside.

The rainbow of colours continues on the mother-of-pearl dial engraved with the typical Aquanaut motif. The twelve applied hour markers in rose gold are baguette sapphires (0.31 ct) with nuance colors coordinated with those on the dial. Luminous baton hands in rose gold make the hours and minutes legible at first glance.

Crafted from 18k rose gold, the case has a diameter of 39.9 mm and a thickness of 10.37 mm. Waterproofness is ensured up to a pressure of 3 ATM, corresponding to 30 metres / 100 feet.

The Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” chronograph is equipped with the self-winding caliber CH 28-520, a vertical disc clutch, and a large 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock Thanks to this modern clutch that operates with minimal wear and without affecting precision and power reserve, the sweep chronograph hand can also be used as a constantly running seconds hand. 

With the pusher at 4 o'clock, the flyback function makes it possible to start a new measurement at any time, even if the sweep chronograph hand is already measuring the duration of an event or if it is being used as a constantly running seconds hand. 

Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) with an autonomy of 45 to 55 hours, this movement is enhanced by meticulous finishes that can be admired through the sapphire-crystal case back.

Delivered with three straps made of durable composite material in red, matte beige and matte white, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Chronograph Ref. 7968/300R-001 has a price of Euro 214,630. patek.com