Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1985
    Reference No: 3800/1
    Movement No: 1’423’377
    Case No: 2’819’599
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 335 SC, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max overall length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Nautilus clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated February 2, 1988 and stamped Gübelin, St. Moritz, grey suede fitted presentation box, original bill of sale dated February 16, 1988, Henri Stern Watch Agency receipt dated March 28, 1988, leather envelope, product literature and outer packaging. Further accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial 1985 and its subsequent sale on April 7, 1987.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1981, Patek Philippe expanded the Nautilus line with the reference 3800. 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 was manufactured in four series with movement upgrades over its 25 year history. Differing from the reference 3700, the 3800 featured an additional sweep center seconds. Examples from the first series produced until 1987 were powered by cal. 335 SC (without quick-set date), second series examples featured the same caliber, however with an upgraded quick-set date function, and were produced until 1992. Examples from the third series featured yet another upgrade, the cal. 330-134, and were produced until 1997. The fourth and final series featured the cal. 330-194.

    Consigned by the original owner, the present timepiece is most notably cased in yellow gold. Preserved in excellent condition, the case displays very deep and sharp hallmarks, with bevels and crisp edges throughout. The timepiece is an early specimen which displays a black date wheel - a detail that many collectors prefer, and is noted on the Certificate of Origin. Additionally, the watch was retailed by Gübelin, which is stamped on the Certificate of Origin as well as accompanied by the original Gübelin sales invoice. Patek Philippe’s Nautilus wristwatch is an icon, and this example will be sure to please even the most discerning of collectors.

    CONSIGNED BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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

52

Ref. 3800/1
A very rare and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with black date wheel, bracelet, Certificate of Origin, original sales invoice, and presentation box, retailed by Gübelin

1985
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$40,000 - 80,000 
CHF36,000-72,100
€37,400-74,900
HK$312,000-625,000
S$54,300-109,000

Sold for $120,650

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and 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: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023