Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1995 Reference No: 3800/001 Movement No: 1’932’934 Case No: 2'959'934 Model Name: Nautilus Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 330SC, 29 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Juwelier Braun Mannheim, Germany dated 18 October 1995 and hang tag.
Catalogue Essay
Among Patek Philippe's legendary Nautilus lineage, the ref. 3800 holds a special place. Produced from 1981 to 2006, this 37.5mm mid-sized model remained discreetly in the shadow of its larger stablemates, the iconic ref. 3700 and modern ref. 5711. But recently this refined classic has seen a surge in collector appreciation for its versatility, compact elegance, and status as the archetypal luxury sports watch for both men and women.
This particular example from circa 1995 displays all the warm patina of a well-loved vintage Nautilus. Its aged tritium plots have become warm yellow, beautifully complementing the deep blue dial. The case showcases a mix of polished and brushed finishes, with the conforming integrated bracelet that defines Gerald Genta's design.
Complete with its original certificate, the present ref. 3800 is evocative of an era when the Nautilus was still niche and exclusive. Before the hype, before the waiting lists. For the Patek Philippe collector who remembers the Nautilus before it became an institution, this watch is a portal back to those halcyon days.
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.