Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1987
    Reference No: 3800/1
    Movement No: 1'426'501
    Case No: 2'853'300
    Model Name: Nautilus Mid-Size
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 335 SC, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max overall approx. length 220mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When Patek Philippe released the Nautilus reference 3700/001 in 1976, they may have not known at the time that they were introducing one of the most iconic and cherished wristwatches of the 20th century. In an effort to attract new buyers with a casual, sporty timepiece, the Gerald Genta-designed watch was reminiscent of transatlantic ocean liners’ portholes, and named for Captain Nemo’s submarine in the beloved Jules Verne adventure Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. It was at the time the most expensive stainless steel luxury sports watch.

    In 1981, Patek Phillipe expanded the Nautilus line with the reference 3800/1A. Smaller in size at 37.5mm diameter, the reference 3800 was an alternative to the larger 3700 model. The reference was in production from 1981 until 2006, and manufactured in four series with movement upgrades over its 25 year history. Though there are several permutations of dial designs for the 3800/1A, the present is the most classic with the blue-grey ribbed dial and luminous baton indexes. Adding to its rarity, this reference 3800 features the rare and early black date disc with white printing for the date.

    The present, first-series reference 3800/1A is preserved in excellent overall condition with a vibrant blue-grey ribbed dial. Today, the Nautilus is almost 50 years old, and enjoys icon status within the world of horology, and this highly versatile, classic reference 3800 is a wonderful and rare example for the connoisseur.

  • 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.

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Ο111

Ref. 3800/1
An attractive and versatile stainless steel mid-sized wristwatch with date and bracelet

Circa 1987
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF27,000-54,000
€27,700-55,500
HK$235,000-469,000
S$40,300-80,700

Sold for $48,260

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023