Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1983
    Reference No: 3800/1
    Movement No: 1’421’862
    Case No: 556’709
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 335 SC, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 150mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1983 and its subsequent date of sale on 31st May 1983.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Patek Philippe Nautilus family has flourished over the years since its initial introduction in 1976 offering collectors a wide array of materials, sizes and complications. In production from 1981 to 2001, the ref. 3800 was the mid-size variant of the coveted model with a case measuring 37.5mm diameter. With its aesthetics similar to the ref. 3700 and ref. 5711, the ref. 3800 similarly features center seconds and a date function.

    Throughout its production span, the ref. 3800 was one of the most diversified Nautilus references ever produced with examples in stainless steel, yellow gold, two-tone, white gold, platinum as well as gem-set variants across four series. While the majority of the production of the reference was in stainless steel, examples in platinum were produced in low quantities.

    A rare sight to behold, the present ref 3800/1 in platinum was a purchase in Spring by the original owner—the chairman of a leading Hong Kong department store and a passionate watch collector—during the booming 80’s. Featuring its classic combination of a smoky blue ribbed dial and adorned with 11 diamond-set indexes, the present heirloom part of the model’s 1st series also bears the desirable early accented Patek Philippe Geneve signature at 12 o’clock, matching colour date wheel and "σ · SWISS · σ" insignia at 6 o’clock. The luminous material on the hands has also gained a beautiful caramel patina attest to its age.


    According to scholarship, only 11 examples of the same configuration hailing from the first series have ever appeared in the market. The earliest known example from 1983 bears the movement number 1’421’597 and case number 556’708. Identified as the 12th known example, the present 3800/1 bearing the movement number 1’421’862 and case number 556’709 (only one case number away from the mentioned) is not only fresh-to-the-market, but is the second eldest to grace the market. Delivered with the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture in 1983, the present timepiece was sold on 31st of May in the same year. Absolutely gorgeous and well-preserved by the family of the original owner with partial original factory sticker remaining intact on its caseback, this present Nautilus born in 1983 has enjoyed 38 years of iconic status and is definitely a keeper.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

    View More Works

Property from the Original Owner

851

Ref. 3800/1
A very rare and attractive platinum wristwatch with diamond-set indexes, center seconds, date and bracelet

1983
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$468,000 - 780,000 
€51,800-86,400
$60,000-100,000

Sold for HK$1,134,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021