Footballer Francesco Totti spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Francesco Totti, the former AS Roma captain widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian footballers of his generation, was recently photographed wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G — a reference that carries considerably more weight in watch collecting circles than its sportif aesthetic might initially suggest.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G was introduced in 2018 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut line, and it departs from the standard 5167A stainless steel formula in a meaningful way. The case is crafted in 18k white gold and measures 42.2mm — slightly larger than the standard Aquanaut — giving it a more contemporary, assertive presence on the wrist. The dial, finished in a distinctive khaki green composite that mirrors the texture of the rubber strap, elevates the reference into a design conversation that few sports watches can enter. Inside beats the Caliber 324 S C, a self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve, offering the reliability and finishing Patek Philippe demands across its entire range.

From a collector standpoint, the 5168G occupies a fascinating position. Its white gold construction makes it formally more precious than the steel 5167A, yet the green dial and integrated rubber strap keep it firmly within the Aquanaut's sporty DNA. Production has remained deliberately limited, and the reference has never been easy to acquire through authorized dealers. That scarcity, combined with the white gold and green combination's strong aesthetic identity, has made it a perennial target for serious collectors and watch investors alike.

Totti, who retired from professional football in 2017 after a legendary 25-year career with Roma, has long been associated with understated luxury. His watch choices tend toward the substantive rather than the showy — and the Aquanaut 5168G fits that profile precisely. It is not the loudest watch in the Patek catalog, but it is arguably the most knowing sports watch choice a collector can make today.

On the secondary market, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G consistently trades well above its official retail price of approximately $47,400 USD. Grey market premiums have remained significant, with examples frequently changing hands between $65,000 and $80,000 depending on condition and provenance — a testament to how tightly Patek controls allocation on this reference.