Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Hakim Ziyech spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Hakim Ziyech, the Morocco international and Chelsea FC forward known for his precise left foot and sharp eye for an assist, has been spotted wearing one of the most coveted sport-luxury watches in circulation today: the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968A in stainless steel, paired with its distinctive orange rubber strap.

Introduced at Baselworld 2018, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A represents a genuine milestone for the collection — it is the first time Patek Philippe ever placed a chronograph complication inside an Aquanaut case. The 42.2mm stainless steel case houses the manufacture Caliber CH 28-520 C, a self-winding movement with column wheel control and a horizontal clutch mechanism that ensures smooth engagement of the chronograph without disturbing the running seconds. Power reserve sits at approximately 55 hours. The dial continues the Aquanaut family's signature embossed square grid pattern in dark grey, while the orange seconds hand and sub-register counter provide unmistakable contrast — a deliberate nod to the matching orange composite strap.

From a collector standpoint, the 5968A occupies a unique space. Stainless steel Patek Philippe watches have historically attracted the most aggressive premiums on the secondary market, and the 5968A is no exception. The reference combines the already blue-chip status of the Aquanaut line with the added desirability of a first-in-family chronograph, producing a watch that the open market values at multiples of its official price. Waitlists at authorised dealers are effectively closed.

Ziyech's choice reflects a broader trend among elite footballers gravitating toward technically serious watchmaking rather than purely decorative luxury. The 5968A is not a trophy piece in the conventional sense — it carries genuine horological credentials, making it a credible statement from someone clearly informed about what sits on his wrist.

At a retail price of $55,360, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A is already a significant acquisition. On the grey market, however, examples regularly trade around $250,000, underlining just how comprehensively demand has outrun supply since the reference launched. For collectors, spotting one on a wrist — even a famous one — remains a relative rarity.