Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Luka Modric spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Luka Modric, the Croatian midfield maestro widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, was photographed wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968A-001 during appearances tied to the release of his autobiography. The orange strap variant is the most recognisable configuration of this reference, and on Modric's wrist it reads as entirely deliberate — a collector's choice rather than a stylist's prop.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5968A is built around the calibre CH 28-520 C, an in-house automatic flyback chronograph movement beating at 4 Hz with a 45-hour power reserve. Housed in a 42.2 mm stainless steel case with Patek's signature octagonal bezel and embossed «Tropical» dial in khaki, the reference was introduced at Baselworld 2018 and immediately ignited a frenzy. The combination of a flyback chronograph — a complication that allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted in a single pusher action — with a sports-casual aesthetic in non-precious steel was a calculated departure for a manufacture more associated with precious metals and dress watches.

For collectors, the 5968A occupies a uniquely contentious and coveted position. Patek Philippe reportedly produced it in limited numbers, and authorised dealers historically allocated pieces only to established clients with deep purchase histories. That scarcity drove grey-market premiums to multiples of retail almost immediately after launch, making it one of the benchmark references of the modern sports-watch boom alongside the Royal Oak and Nautilus in steel.

Modric's affinity for serious horology fits a broader pattern among elite European footballers who treat watchmaking with genuine discernment. The Ballon d'Or winner and six-time Champions League champion has long been photographed with high-end timepieces, but the 5968A signals a collector with specific knowledge — this is not simply the most famous Patek, it is one of the hardest to obtain.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A carries a UK list price of approximately £34,730. On the secondary market, however, the reference consistently trades at a significant premium, with grey-market prices frequently ranging between $80,000 and $110,000 USD depending on condition, papers, and provenance — a testament to its enduring desirability.