Patek Philippe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1994
    Reference No: 3800/1JA
    Movement No: 1’932’019
    Case No: 2’936’849
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 330 SC, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Patek Philippe clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed.
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe factory service box. Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1994 and its subsequent sale on April 28th, 1994.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1981, the reference 3800 was Patek Philippe’s smaller iteration of the original Nautilus reference 3700. Measuring a still substantial 37.5mm diameter, the ref. 3800 is perhaps the perfect unisex wristwatch in modern times. The reference was manufactured with a wide array of case materials and dial variations, making it one of the most interesting luxury sports models manufactured by Patek Philippe to collect. Produced until 2006, the reference was launched in 4 series during its production spanning 25 years.

    1st Series – 1981 until 1987, caliber 335 SC
    2nd Series – 1987 until 1992, caliber 335 SC, with quick-set date
    3rd Series – 1992 until 1997, caliber 330 134
    4th Series – 1997 until 2006, caliber 330 194

    Patek Philippe implemented a greater diversity of dial iterations in the 3800 than the 3700, offering models with white, blue, champagne, gray (rare), or, like the present example, black with luminous Roman numerals. The latter dial variant graced the dial of the reference 3710 as well, though with the addition of a comet-like power reserve indicator. Later examples of the 3800 would no longer bear the applied Roman numerals.

    The present 3800/1JA of the second series, is previously unknown to the public and the combination of its black Roman numeral dial and mixed metal case has never been seen before. Offered recently unsealed from a factory service, this two-tone 3800 is an incredibly rare Nautilus sure to stand out from the crowd.

  • 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. 3800/1JA
A fine and rare stainless steel and yellow gold wristwatch with date and integrated bracelet

1994
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$15,000 - 25,000 
CHF13,500-22,500
€12,600-21,100
HK$116,000-194,000

Sold for $35,280

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