Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1988 Reference No: 3800/1A Movement No: 1'422'501 Case No: 2'860'826 Model Name: Nautilus Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 335, 29 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, original hang tag, leather wallet, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with anthracite ribbed dial, white gold indexes, tritium and bracelet in steel in January 4, 1990.
Catalogue Essay
In production between 1981 and 2006, the reference 3800 was the mid-sized version in the legendary Patek Philippe Nautilus series. Slightly smaller than its older sibling reference 3700, reference 3800 is an incredibly compact and chic version of the original Nautilus.
The present watch is preserved in excellent condition with crisp edges and facets throughout. The dial has furthermore aged beautifully with time, with the hour markers and hands displaying warm patina. It is complete with its Certificate of Origin, original hang tag and fitted presentation box, adding another layer of collectibility.
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.