An Aquanaut strap is not a standard strap with a fancy pattern. It is cut for one family of cases, and the wrong family will not fit. The short answer: the current men's Aquanauts (5167, 5164, 5168 and the 5968 chronograph) take a curved-end strap that follows the case between the lugs. The earlier and smaller straight-lug models (5065, 5066, 5064, 5067A, 5068R) take a straight-end strap. Find your reference on the case back or the papers, then use the table below.
Aquanaut strap sizes by reference
| Reference | Case | Width between lugs | Strap end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5167A / 5167R (Date) | 40.8 mm | 21 mm | Curved |
| 5164A / 5164R / 5164G (Travel Time) | 40.8 mm | 21 mm | Curved |
| 5168G (larger Date) | 42.2 mm | 22 mm | Curved |
| 5968A / 5968G / 5968R (Chronograph) | 42.2 mm | 22 mm | Curved |
| 5065, 5066, 5064, 5068R, 5067A | varies | 18 or 19 mm | Straight |
Two things stand out. First, the 40.8 mm and 42.2 mm cases are 1 mm apart between the lugs, 21 mm against 22 mm. Our curved-end strap is made to fit both, so the same strap goes on a 5167, 5164, 5168 or 5968. Second, the curved end only arrived in 2007, when Patek reworked the Aquanaut for its tenth anniversary and fitted a strap that follows the curve of the case. Anything older uses a flat, straight end.
Curved end or straight end: how to tell
Look at your watch from the side. If the strap tucks into the case with no gap and its end is shaped like a shallow arc, you need curved. If the strap meets the case with a flat edge and a sliver of light between the lugs, you need straight. Our curved-end Aquanaut straps are listed for the 5167, 5164, 5168 and 5968 families. The straight-end Aquanaut straps cover the 5067A, 5065, 5066, 5064 and 5068R, with an 18 mm or 19 mm width to choose on the product page.
One curved-end strap covers the whole current men's range: it fits the 21 mm 5167 and 5164 and the 22 mm 5168G and 5968 alike.
Does the original clasp fit?
Yes. The factory Aquanaut strap closes with a steel fold-over clasp, and our straps are made to work with it. Order the strap without a buckle and move your clasp across, or pick our silver or rose gold buckle if you want to keep the original strap complete as a spare.
Which colour works on which Aquanaut
- Black: the factory look for the steel 5167A and 5164A. If you want a second strap that is also the safe choice, this is it. Black curved Aquanaut strap.
- Brown: made for the rose gold 5167R and 5164R, which leave the factory on brown.
- Blue and olive green: match the blue and khaki dials of the 5168G.
- Orange: the colour Aquanaut owners search for most after black. It turns a steel Aquanaut into a summer watch. Orange curved Aquanaut strap.
For the straight-end models, the black strap for the 5067A, 5065 and 5066 is the closest match to the original, and the range runs to pastel shades that suit the smaller ladies' cases.
Rubber versus Patek's composite strap
Patek describes its strap as a composite material, often called the "Tropical" strap by collectors. Ours are made from allergy-free premium rubber with the Aquanaut's embossed pattern, and they carry a lifetime warranty on the rubber. In daily use both behave the same way: they shrug off salt water, sun and sweat, and a rinse under the tap is all the cleaning they need. Our guide to cleaning a rubber strap covers the rest.
Fitting the strap
The Aquanaut strap sits on spring bars. Push the bar in from the inside of the lug, angle the strap out, and reverse the steps to fit the new one. A fine fork tool helps avoid scratches on the polished lugs; our Patek Philippe strap tool is made for this. Expect about five minutes the first time.
FAQ
What lug width is the Aquanaut 5167?
The 5167A and 5167R measure 21 mm between the lugs. The larger 42.2 mm 5168G and the 5968 chronograph measure 22 mm.
Will the same strap fit a 5167 and a 5168?
Yes. Our curved-end Aquanaut strap fits both the 21 mm cases (5167, 5164) and the 22 mm cases (5168G, 5968).
Can I keep my Patek fold-over clasp?
Yes. Our Aquanaut straps work with the original clasp. Order without a buckle and move it across.
Is the strap waterproof?
Yes. The rubber handles swimming, salt water and sweat, and it is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Own a Nautilus as well? See our Nautilus strap guide, or browse all Patek Philippe straps. Helvetus is not affiliated with Patek Philippe.
