Watch Paparazzi

Pilot Max Verstappen spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Max Verstappen, the dominant Red Bull Racing driver and three-time Formula 1 World Champion, was recently spotted wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph reference 5968G — the white gold variant of one of Geneva's most sought-after contemporary sport watches. For a man whose wrist is under constant scrutiny in the paddock and beyond, the choice is telling: refined, technically serious, and quietly expensive.

The 5968G houses Patek Philippe's Caliber CH 28-520 C, a lateral clutch, column-wheel chronograph movement built entirely in-house. Beating at 28,800 vph, it offers a 55-hour power reserve and features the brand's Gyromax balance wheel with Pulsomax escapement — no lever, no pallet stones, just silicon and precision. The 42.2mm white gold case is paired with an embossed blue dial in Patek's characteristic checker-like «Tropical» pattern, and the matching blue composite rubber strap secures via a fold-over clasp. Water resistance sits at 120 metres, underscoring the Aquanaut's genuine sport-watch intent.

Introduced as the 5968A in stainless steel in 2019 before the 5968G and 5968R variants followed, the Aquanaut Chronograph filled a gap Patek collectors had long anticipated: a sporty integrated-strap chronograph to complement the Nautilus 5980. The white gold reference in particular occupies a narrow niche — less flashy than rose gold, cooler in tone, and considerably rarer in terms of production volume. Among serious collectors, the 5968G is regarded as the connoisseur's pick within the 5968 family.

Verstappen has consistently gravitated toward high-complication, high-prestige references from the top tier of Swiss watchmaking. The 5968G fits his profile precisely: it is not a watch that shouts, yet it leaves no ambiguity about the level of investment or taste involved. In a paddock where brand ambassadorships dictate many wrist choices, an independent selection like this carries additional weight.

At a retail list price of approximately $75,700, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968G already commands significant outlay. On the grey market, the piece is currently trading in the region of $130,000 — a premium of roughly 70 percent over retail — reflecting consistent demand and extremely limited availability. For a reference this scarce in white gold, that gap shows no signs of narrowing.