Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/1

Patek Philippe Reference 3800/1 Nautilus | A white gold automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 2000

Dial: white Caliber: cal. 330 SC automatic, 29 jewels Movement number: 1’930’915 Case: 18k white gold, solid case back Case number: 2’905’570 Closure: 18k white gold Patek Philippe bracelet with folding clasp Size: 37.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm Signed: case, dial, and movement Box: yes Papers: no Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation box with outer packagingIntroduced in 1981, the Patek Philippe Reference 3800 is mid-sized version of the iconic Reference 3700 Nautilus designed by legendary watch maker Gerald Genta in 1976. At 37.5 mm it is significantly more compact in size than the 42 mm of the Reference 3700 and was meant to bring the Nautilus design to a wider audience. After nearly two decades, the 3800 was discontinued with the yellow gold example appearing in catalogues as late as 2007. The Reference 3800 was especially notable for its kaleidoscopic configurations over its two decade run. From colorful dials to exquisite gem-set creations, the 3800 truly saw the best of Patek Philippe’s creativity during this period. The 3800 was also notable for the different generations of the calibres 335 SC and 330 SC used to power it throughout its two decade run. The 335 SC was Patek Philippe’s attempt to equip the Nautilus collection with in-house movements instead of the Jaeger LeCoultre ébauches used by their competitors. It is estimated that this first version of the cal. 335 SC was used until 1987 until it was completely replaced by the cal. 330 SC in 1992. The present example features a beautiful ribbed white dial. Cased in white gold with clear and crisp engravings and assay marks, the present 3800 is a beautiful example of a coveted classic in the iconic Nautilus collection.