Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1987 Reference No: 3800/1 Movement No: 1'426'035 Case No: 2'832'027 Model Name: Nautilus Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 335 SC, 29 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin confirming the present watch with black dial, product literature and leather wallet. Furthermore accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1981, the reference 3800 was Patek Philippe’s smaller iteration of the original Nautilus reference 3700. Measuring a still substantial 37.5mm in width, the reference 3800 is perhaps the perfect unisex wristwatch in modern times. The reference was manufactured with a wide array of case materials and dial variations, making it one of the most interesting luxury sports models manufactured by Patek Philippe to collect.
The present timepiece is most notably cased in yellow gold and displays a black dial. Preserved in excellent condition, the case displays very deep and sharp hallmarks, with bevels and crisp edges throughout. The example is most notably an early specimen which displays a black date wheel - a detail that many collectors prefer. The extra long bracelet is also preserved in excellent and crisp condition with barely any signs of aging. As an even nicer touch, the timepiece is accompanied by the Certificate of Origin which confirms the dial, adding another layer of collectibility.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.