Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1980s Reference No: 3800/2 Movement No: 1’426’475 Case No: 2’801’273 Model Name: Nautilus Material: 18K yellow gold and diamond Calibre: Automatic, cal. 335 SC, 29 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe 18K yellow gold bracelet, max overall length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: Patek Philippe 18K white gold deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1987 with "gilded dial, ribbed, applied yellow gold hour markers, tritium" and its subsequent sale on June 23, 1988
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 diameter, the model is perhaps the perfect unisex wristwatch in modern times. The wristwatch 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. Produced until 2006, the reference was launched in four series during its production spanning 25 years.
Encased in luxurious yellow gold and fitted with a champagne ridged dial, this 3800/2 monochromatic variant is very rare with only seven known examples. Moreover, the diamond-set bezel adds a subtle touch of elegance to the sports watch. Stylish and sophisticated, this Nautilus is sure to entice both male and female collectors of one of Mr. Gérald Genta’s most sought-after creations.
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.
