Entrepreneur Nasser Al-khelaifi spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the Qatari businessman and president of Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, was spotted on the sidelines of a recent UEFA match wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph in stainless steel, reference 5968A-001 — a watch that routinely changes hands for well over twice its retail price and remains almost impossible to acquire through official channels.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5968A was introduced in 2019 as the first Aquanaut to feature an integrated flyback chronograph, powered by the in-house Calibre CH 11-275 PS. The movement beats at 28,800 vph and offers a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. Its architecture — a flyback function within the sporty Aquanaut case — marked a significant technical milestone for the line. The 42.2mm stainless steel case features the Aquanaut's characteristic rounded octagonal bezel and sits on a composite rubber strap that mirrors the dial's embossed square pattern. Distinguishing details on the 5968A include orange-tipped chronograph seconds hand, orange sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock, and a dark grey tropical-style dial — a color combination that gives the watch an assertive, modern character without sacrificing Patek's inherent restraint.

Among collectors, the 5968A occupies a unique position. Stainless steel Patek Philippe sports references have historically appreciated sharply, and the 5968A is no exception. Its combination of an integrated flyback complication, recognizable Aquanaut DNA, and deliberately limited steel production has made it one of the most discussed references on the secondary market since its debut. Authorized dealers allocate units sparingly, and waitlists are effectively closed at most boutiques worldwide.

Al-Khelaifi, whose business interests span sports, media, and investment through his role at beIN Media Group, is no stranger to serious horology. His choice of the Aquanaut 5968A reflects a collector's sensibility rather than a purely conspicuous one — it is a technically sophisticated piece that wears its prestige quietly, appropriate for one of football's most powerful executives.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A carries an official retail price of $53,360. On the grey market, verified sales have consistently tracked between $110,000 and $130,000, underlining the sustained demand pressure on this reference and confirming its status as one of the defining steel sport watches of the current era.