Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 2007 Reference No: 3800/123 Movement No: 3’027’920 Case No: 2’960’539 Model Name: Nautilus Material: 18K yellow gold, diamonds and rubies Calibre: Automatic, cal 330SC, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture of the present watch in 2007 and its subsequent sale on September 24, 2008; further accompanied by Patek Philippe presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3800, launched in the early 1980s, was the first evolution of the original Nautilus reference 3700 presented just a few years earlier. Whereas the original reference 3700 was fiercely masculine, reference 3800 showed more restraint with a smaller diameter of 37.5 millimeters.
While smaller in size, the Nautilus reference 3800 maintained all the design cues of its older brother, with its porthole inspired case and integrated metal bracelet. The major change was the addition of a seconds hand indicating a mechanical evolution with the adoption of the Patek Philippe caliber 335 SC and variants.
The Nautilus being considered a more casual offering from Patek Philippe, it was predominantly cased in steel with a few exceptions, in gold, or in steel and gold. However, gemset versions like the present model are extremely rare.
In fact the reference 3800-123J is so rare that only 2 examples are known, and the present example is the only one housing the caliber 330.
Incredibly attractive, refined with an air of calm luxury the watch stands out with its excellent condition and playful use of diamonds and rubies for the hour markers which enhances its incredible rarity.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.