Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/1A

Patek Philippe Nautilus 'Midsize' Ref. 3800/1A - Gloss Black 'Roman' Dial w/ Extract

The Nautilus. Another Gerald Genta horological icon, sibling to the Royal Oak, and conductor of the Hype Train. Now that we have that out of the way, how did a brand like Patek Philippe get so famous for a steel time-only watch? Well, by accident. The Stern family, which still owns Patek, was constantly being asked back in the late 60s to make a steel sports watch. It turns out that loyal collectors of the brand who would buy their high complication watches and precious metal dress pieces had become so loyal to Patek - that they would only wear wristwatches from the illustrious brand. Not one to disappoint their well-heeled clientele, Gerald Genta was commissioned to design a sports watch worthy of the Patek name. Much like the Royal Oak, the steel case was treated to a wide variety of complex finishing techniques normally reserved for precious metals. While this was a sports piece, it was still to be a Patek Philippe above all else. Unlike the far more rugged Royal Oak, the Nautilus has gentler curves - and certainly no exposed bolts or rivets (can you imagine!). What we have here is a Reference 3800/1A — the 'midsize' variant of the first Reference of Nautilus, the 3700. Coming in at 37mm in diameter, these pieces retain all of the exceptional looks, feel, and brand pedigree of the 'Jumbo' sibling, in a slightly more digestible package. This particular example comes to us in strong overall condition, with a likely-unpolished case and matching bracelet that shows normal wear from age. It also features a dial found only in later 3800s: a glossy black dial with applied, luminous white gold 'Roman' indices. The dial itself exhibits a light and uniform patina reminiscent of a 'starry night, with Tritium-filled indices and a correct, matching 'feuille' handset. This piece is accompanied by an extract from Patek Philippe confirming production in 2000 and original date of sale on 11/22/2001.