When Patek Philippe released the Nautilus reference 3700/001 in 1976, they may have not known at the time that they were introducing one of the most iconic and cherished wristwatches of the 20th century. This luxury stainless steel waterproof sports wristwatch was the brand’s response to the growing quartz crisis following the enormous success of quartz watches coming from Japan. In an effort to attract new buyers with a casual sporty timepieces, the Gerald Genta-designed watch was reminiscent of transatlantic ocean liners’ portholes, and named for Captain Nemo’s submarine in the beloved Jules Verne adventure “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”. It was at the time the most expensive stainless steel luxury sports watch, and measured an astonishing 42mm in diameter. It became known as the “Jumbo” for what was considered its oversized dimensions at the time.

In 1981, Patek Phillipe expanded the Nautilus line with the reference 3800/1A. Smaller in size at 37.5mm diameter, the reference 3800 was an alternative to the larger 3700 model, and in addition to the standard blue grey ribbed dial, the 3800, was on rare occasion, also offered with a semi-glossy black dial with Roman numerals like the present example. The reference was in production from 1981 until 2006, and manufactured in four series with movement upgrades over its 25 year history.

The present, third-series reference 3800/1A is fresh-to-the-market, and according to scholarship, the fifth to appear and the earliest known third series example. Preserved in unpolished, original condition, it is offered complete with its original Certificate of Origin inner and outer boxes, and product literature. Today, the Nautilus is almost 45 years old, and enjoys icon status within the world of horology, and this highly versatile, classic reference 3800 is a wonderful and rare example for the connoisseur.