Basketball player Jalen Brunson spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks' NBA champion point guard, was spotted courtside at the 2026 US Open Women's Singles Final wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo ref. 5168G-010 in 18k white gold. The watch, presented on a matching khaki green tropical rubber strap, complemented his carefully curated ensemble of earthen and sage tones—a deliberate style choice that elevated the timepiece as the focal point of his wrist game.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5168G-010 represents a pivotal evolution in the storied Aquanaut lineage. Introduced at Baselworld 2019, this reference combines the heft and prestige of an 18k white gold case with a 42.2mm diameter—a significant jump from the original 42mm Aquanaut Jumbo unveiled in 1997. The khaki green dial, introduced exclusively in the 5168G variant, channels the design's occulted military aesthetic; the case material itself evokes the earliest rarefied white gold Aquanauts from the 1990s. The dial features applied hour markers, a date window at 3 o'clock, and a sunburst-finished background. Water resistance stands at 300 metres, sufficient for serious diving yet refined enough for haute horlogerie wrists. Movement-wise, the 5168G houses the Patek Philippe Calibre 324 S C, a self-winding mechanical movement with a 48-hour power reserve and chronometer-grade accuracy.

The khaki green 5168G-010 occupies a unique position in the Aquanaut collector ecosystem. While previous Aquanauts had appeared in military-inspired palettes, this reference was the first in-house production khaki variant offered under the Jumbo designation in white gold. Notably, a handful of khaki green ref. 5167As were produced circa 2010, likely as special commissions, but these remained exceptionally rare. The tropical rubber strap—Patek Philippe's softer, more cushioned rubber compound—further distinguishes this model from steel variants and contributes to its approachability despite its precious metal case.

Brunson's choice reflects a growing appreciation among professional athletes for precious metal sports watches. The 5168G-010 sits at the intersection of technical capability and understated luxury, offering the water resistance and durability of a tool watch without sacrificing the gravitas of 18k white gold. His pairing of the khaki dial with a warm, neutral fit suggests a sophisticated understanding of horological aesthetics—one that prioritises harmony over logo visibility.

On the secondary market, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5168G-010 trades between USD 50,000 and USD 65,000, reflecting strong demand for white gold sports watches with distinctive dial colours. Grey-market prices have remained relatively stable since 2019, though the khaki variant commands a premium over the original gradient blue 5168 due to its rarity and seasonal availability. Official Patek Philippe authorised dealers maintain substantial waitlists for this reference, typically requiring a purchase history or direct relationship to secure an allocation.