Footballer Lautaro Martínez spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Lautaro Martínez arrived at the UEFA Champions League semi-final as Inter Milan's talisman, but sharp-eyed watch spotters found plenty to admire beyond his footballing credentials. On his wrist sat the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968G in 18k white gold, its distinctive khaki green dial and matching tropical-style rubber strap cutting a purposeful, sporting figure against his pre-match attire.

Patek Philippe introduced the first Aquanaut Chronograph in 2018 with the steel 5968A, a milestone that marked the debut of the flyback complication in the Aquanaut family. The white gold 5968G followed in 2021, amplifying the luxury credentials of the sports line without sacrificing its casual-cool DNA. At its heart beats the in-house Caliber CH 28-520 C, a self-winding flyback movement equipped with a column wheel, horizontal clutch, and a generous 45-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through the exhibition caseback, a reminder that beneath the adventure-ready exterior lies unmistakably fine watchmaking.

The dial architecture on the 5968G is worth examining closely. The 60-minute chronograph counter sits at 6 o'clock, its rounded octagonal shape deliberately echoing the embossed bezel — a subtle piece of design coherence that Patek calls the "Aquanaut aesthetic." The khaki green color runs consistently from dial to rubber strap, creating a monochromatic effect that reads as bold without being garish. Water resistance stands at 120 meters, giving the piece genuine sport utility alongside its complications.

Among collectors, the 5968G occupies an interesting tier. White gold sports watches from Patek Philippe have historically held value more stubbornly than their steel counterparts due to lower production volumes, and the Aquanaut Chronograph is no exception. The reference sits above the entry-level Aquanaut 5167 but below the grand complication territory, making it a sweet spot for serious collectors who want both a flyback movement and a wearable everyday case profile of 42.2mm.

At an official retail price of $75,700, the 5968G is already a considered purchase. Grey-market premiums for white gold Aquanaut references have historically tracked well above retail, reflecting persistent demand and constrained authorized dealer supply. For Martínez, currently one of Serie A's most decorated strikers and a Champions League contender, the 5968G is a precise and characterful choice — technical enough to reward scrutiny, understated enough to let the football do the talking.