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Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3800/1 SP+SB

Oh boy, do we love a Nautilus. The Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3800/1 represents a particularly charming chapter in the history of the Nautilus. Introduced in the early 1980s as a more compact counterpart to the original ref. 3700, the 3800 retained all the design language that made the Nautilus such an icon, but in a size that feels slightly more understated and easy to wear. With its integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, and balanced proportions, it remains one of the most elegant interpretations of the model.

This particular example dates to circa 1986 and is executed in steel and gold, a combination that gives the watch a little extra warmth while preserving the sporty, architectural lines that define the Nautilus. The white dial adds to that calm and refined appearance, giving the watch a presence on the wrist that feels both relaxed and unmistakably special. Compact in size, yet full of character, it is exactly the sort of watch that reveals more the longer you look at it.

What makes the ref. 3800 especially interesting is its place within the Nautilus story. It was among the early references to use Patek Philippe’s in-house automatic calibre 335 SC, giving it a meaningful position in the evolution of the model. It carries the charm of the earlier Nautilus generation, while already moving towards the more modern references that followed.

Taken as a whole, the ref. 3800/1 offers a slightly more understated and less commonly encountered side of the Nautilus, while preserving everything that has made the model so enduring. This example is accompanied by its service papers and service box, adding to its appeal as a well-kept preserved piece.

We warmly invite you to visit our store and experience for yourself just how naturally this Nautilus wears on the wrist.

Year

1986
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Brand Patek Philippe
Diameter 35 x 33 mm
Model Nautilus
Bracelet/strap: Steel/gold
Reference 3800 /1
Buckle/clasp Original, Gold/Steel
Year of production (circa) 1986
Lug Width 22 mm
Material Steel & gold
Set Content Service papers and service box
Crystal Sapphire
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color White
Movement Automatic

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.