Watch Paparazzi

Cricketer Virat Kohli spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Virat Kohli, one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, was recently spotted on the wrist of the Indian cricket legend: the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G in 18k white gold with a blue dial and matching blue tropical rubber strap. It is a sighting that will not surprise anyone who follows Kohli's well-documented appreciation for high-end horology, but it is a combination of metal and dial that deserves closer attention.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5168G measures 42.2mm in 18k white gold — a full 2mm larger than the original 5167A and the first Aquanaut to adopt the larger case in a precious metal. The case houses the manufacture Caliber 324 S C, a self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve, running at 28,800 vph, and visible through a sapphire caseback. The signature embossed 'Tropical' dial in khaki blue is matched by a composite rubber strap secured with a fold-over clasp, a combination that gives the watch its distinctive resort-luxe identity.

Launched in 2018, the 5168G quickly established itself as one of Patek Philippe's most coveted references. White gold Aquanaut variants have historically been allocated in extremely limited numbers, making retail acquisition through an authorized dealer a near-impossibility for all but the most loyal clients. The reference occupies a unique position in the collection — more casual than the Nautilus 5726A yet unambiguously precious, a paradox that has driven intense collector demand since its introduction.

Kohli has previously been photographed with a range of notable timepieces, and his choice of the 5168G reflects a discerning collector sensibility rather than a reflexive reach for the most famous reference. The white gold case paired with the blue dial represents a considered aesthetic decision, distinct from the more commonly spotted stainless steel variants.

On the secondary market, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G trades at a substantial premium to its official retail price of approximately $47,490. Current grey-market valuations sit well above the $140,000 mark, representing a multiple of roughly three times retail — a figure that underscores the reference's status as one of contemporary watchmaking's most commercially resilient pieces.