Watch Paparazzi

Singer Ed Sheeran spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Ed Sheeran is not typically the name that surfaces in serious watch collecting circles, but a recent sighting of the British singer-songwriter wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Reference 5164A-001 on his wrist suggests his taste in timepieces is more considered than his laid-back public image might imply. The 5164A is arguably one of the most practical complications Patek Philippe produces, and seeing it on Sheeran feels entirely authentic rather than performative.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5164A-001 houses the calibre 324 S C FUS — a self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve, operating at 28,800 vph. The travel time function is operated via two pushers at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock, allowing the wearer to advance or retard the local time hour hand in one-hour increments without disrupting the running seconds. Day/night indicators for both home and local time sit symmetrically on the dial. The case measures 40.8mm in stainless steel — a size that wears well across a broad range of wrist sizes — and is matched with Patek's signature embossed "Tropical" black composite strap.

Introduced as part of the Aquanaut family that Gerald Genta originally sketched in 1997, the 5164 has remained one of the line's most technically complex references. The Aquanaut was always conceived as a sportier, more accessible counterpart to the Nautilus, and the 5164A in steel embodies that philosophy without sacrificing mechanical depth. Collectors prize it precisely because it combines genuine complication with a water resistance rating of 120 metres — rare for a dress-sport watch of this calibre.

Sheeran's affinity for the piece makes contextual sense. The travel time function suits a touring musician logging relentless international miles, and the 5164A's relatively low-profile appearance means it doesn't scream for attention — much like Sheeran's broader personal style.

On the secondary market, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5164A-001 commands a significant premium over its retail price, which stands at approximately $33,000 USD. Grey market values have consistently pushed well above that figure, reflecting persistent demand and limited boutique availability. For collectors watching Sheeran's wrist, this sighting is a quiet but credible endorsement.