Footballer Carles Puyol spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Carles Puyol, one of the most decorated defenders in football history and a cornerstone of FC Barcelona's golden era, was recently spotted wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut in white gold — specifically the Reference 5168G. The sighting adds the Spanish legend to a growing roster of elite athletes who have gravitated toward Patek's sportiest line.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G is built around a 42.2mm 18k white gold case, a size that marked a meaningful step up from the original 5065 and the classic 5167. The embossed composite dial — here presented in khaki green — pairs with a matching tropical-style rubber strap, a combination that made the 5168 series an instant collector talking point when it was unveiled in 2018 to mark the Aquanaut's 20th anniversary. Inside runs the automatic Caliber 324 S C, offering a 45-hour power reserve with a date complication at 3 o'clock. Water resistance is rated to 120 metres, keeping the sports credentials genuine rather than decorative.

From a collector standpoint, the 5168G occupies a fascinating position. White gold sports watches are counterintuitive — the material lacks the brasher statement of yellow gold yet commands a premium over steel — and that quiet confidence resonates strongly with serious collectors. The reference was discontinued from the standard collection relatively quickly, which has only intensified secondary-market demand. Unlike its stainless steel siblings, the 5168G never generated the same level of waiting-list fury at retail, yet it has aged exceptionally well in terms of desirability.

Puyol retired from professional football in 2014 after a career defined by relentless intensity and an almost mythological commitment to FC Barcelona. His personal style has consistently leaned toward the purposeful over the ostentatious, which makes the 5168G — a watch that rewards knowledge over flash — a logical fit. The khaki-green dial in particular aligns with a restrained, outdoors-ready palette that suits a man who built his reputation on substance.

At UK list price of approximately £29,520, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G sits at a level that reflects both its white gold construction and the brand's standing. On the grey market, demand for discontinued white gold Aquanaut references has pushed values noticeably above retail, making Puyol's piece not just a stylish choice but a quietly appreciating one.