Patek Philippe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: 3800/1A
    Movement No: 3’030’520
    Case No: 4’096’722
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 330 SC
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel double deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Certificate of Origin stamped by Lux Bond and Green, Inc. and dated October 28, 2000, Patek Philippe maroon fitted leather presentation box, product literature and outer packaging. Further delivered with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with semi-glossy black dial in 2000 and its subsequent sale on February 28, 2000.

  • Catalogue Essay

    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.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Ref. 3800/1A
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, center seconds, and bracelet, accompanied with Certificate of Origin and presentation box

2000
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF18,000-36,000
€16,800-33,700
HK$155,000-310,000

Sold for $56,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020