Footballer Giorgio Chiellini spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Giorgio Chiellini, the Juventus and Italian national team defender widely regarded as one of the finest central backs of his generation, was photographed wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 5168G-001 — a limited-edition anniversary reference that occupies a special position in modern Patek Philippe collecting.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G-001 was introduced in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut line, which debuted at Basel in 1997 as a sportier, more accessible counterpart to the Nautilus. The 5168G is powered by the in-house Calibre 324 S C, a self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve, beating at 28,800 vph, and visible through a sapphire caseback. The case measures a substantial 42.2mm in diameter — earning the 'Jumbo' designation — and is crafted in 18K white gold, an unusual and deliberate choice that sets it apart from the stainless steel 5168G and the more common rose gold variants. The dial features the signature embossed tropical blue pattern, matched to a composite strap with a white gold fold-over clasp.

For collectors, the 5168G-001 in white gold carries genuine rarity value. White gold was not a standard production metal for the Aquanaut at the time of its release, giving this anniversary edition a distinct collector profile. Production numbers were never officially disclosed by Patek Philippe, but market availability has remained consistently tight since launch, sustaining strong demand on the secondary market.

Chiellini's taste in watches has always skewed toward serious horology rather than flashy complications — a reflection of the disciplined, no-nonsense persona he projects on the pitch. The Aquanaut 5168G suits that profile well: it reads as a sport watch on the wrist but carries the full weight of Patek Philippe craftsmanship and provenance.

At retail, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G-001 was listed at approximately $55,000 USD, though the piece is no longer in current production. On the grey market, demand has pushed prices meaningfully above that level, with examples regularly trading between $70,000 and $90,000 depending on condition and box-and-papers status — a solid premium that reflects both the anniversary pedigree and the appeal of the white gold case.