Amsterdam watch company
SOLD
Categories , , Tags , , , , , ,

Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800 B+P+SP 2025

Now available at Amsterdam Watch Company: the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800/1 from 1984, complete with its original box and fresh from a full Patek Philippe service in 2025.

The Nautilus was first introduced in 1976 with the reference 3700. It marked a major shift for Patek Philippe. A luxury sports watch in stainless steel designed by Gérald Genta with a slim case and integrated bracelet. The design was inspired by the shape of a ship’s porthole and it challenged the conventions of what a high-end watch could be. It was not immediately embraced but over time it became one of the most iconic watches ever made.

In 1981 Patek Philippe expanded the line and introduced the reference 3800. It kept the core design of the original but came in a smaller 37.5 millimeter case. It also featured the in-house caliber 335 SC which added a central seconds hand and quickset date. The proportions made it more versatile and better suited to a wide range of wrists while preserving the bold character of the original.

The Nautilus is now considered a grail watch by many collectors. It represents one of the most important chapters in modern watchmaking. Interest in all early Nautilus references has grown steadily over the years as collectors have come to appreciate both the design and the story behind it.

This example from 1984 features the signature blue dial and stainless steel case and bracelet with a black date wheel. It has just returned from a full factory service by Patek Philippe and is sold with its original box. A rare opportunity to own a piece of real watch history.

 

Year

1984
Categories , , Tags , , , , , ,

price on request

Ask us anything
Add to Cart
Add to Cart

Contact us

Got your attention?
We’re here to help.

Speak to us right away

Phone

020 389 27 89

Whatsapp

CLICK HERE (06 392 72 263)

Or, send a message

Brand Patek Philippe
Movement Automatic
Model Nautilus
Diameter 37 mm
Reference 3800
Bracelet/strap: Steel
Year of production (circa) 1984
Set Content Original box, papers & service papers
Material Steel
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Crystal Sapphire
Dial color Blue

To truly understand the Patek Philippe Nautilus, we have to start at the quartz crisis of the late 1960’s. After Seiko launched its first quartz movement, dark clouds gathered over Switzerland’s traditional watchmaking industry. Watches could now be more accurate, easier to maintain and above all: much, much cheaper. Asian quartz watches flooded the market and the Swiss houses had to respond.

In 1972 designer Gerald Genta formulated an answer for Audemars Piguet. He drew the very first luxury steel sports watch. A concept previously unthinkable. A sports watch with haute-horology-level watchmaking and finishing and the eye-watering price to match: the Royal Oak. The gamble paid off, there would be a place for high-end watchmaking in a world dominated by cheap quartz watches.

The template was set and Genta would repeat the trick for Patek Philippe. At the Basel trade fair, he sketched the rough shape of the watch on a napkin in five minutes. The design was based on a ship’s porthole and the watch would feature an integrated bracelet, like its AP predecessor. In 1976, the Ref. 3700/1 Nautilus was finally introduced.

At 42mm’s, the Jumbo Nautilus was rather substantial, although beautifully thin. In 1980, a women’s size Ref. 4800 and a mid-size Ref. 3800/1A, measuring 37,5mm’s, were added to the lineup. While the Ref. 3700 featured the same JLC-based caliber as the AP Royal Oak and Vacheron’s Overseas, the Ref. 3800 would be fitted with an in-house caliber.

After a few variations with different complications, a big update would follow in 2006. The legendary Ref. 5711/1A was introduced, measuring 43mm’s and running on Patek’s new in-house caliber 324SC. Again, numerous complicated variations followed before the range would be discontinued in 2021.

The Nautilus is one of the most sought-after watches on the market. Prices have sky-rocketed and a new one is pretty much impossible to attain without a rich purchase-history and suffering through a long, long waitlist. Needless to say then, this is a rather special opportunity.

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.