Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1980s
    Reference No: 3800/2
    Movement No: 1’421’497
    Case No: 2’801’252
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K yellow gold, diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 335 SC, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, approximate overall length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow and white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with diamonds in 1983, and its subsequent sale on July 28th, 1983.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1981, the reference 3800 was Patek Philippe’s iteration of the original Nautilus ref. 3700, in a slightly smaller case. Measuring 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. Manufactured until 2006, the reference was launched in four series during its lengthy production spanning 25 years.

    The 3800/2 differs slightly from the 3800 with the presence of diamonds set to the external edge of the bezel. A more subtle touch of elegance and luxury than the more commonly seen single or triple row of diamonds to the bezel, it is an extremely rare iteration of the mid-size Nautilus, as this is the first ever example in this combination to come to market. The present, fresh-to-the-market example, with a diamond-set deep navy dial, is in exceptionally well-preserved condition with crisp bevels, sharp hallmarks to the caseback, and a tight bracelet.

  • 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. 3800/2
A rare, attractive, and well-preserved yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with date and bracelet

Circa 1980s
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF44,000-87,900
€46,900-93,700
HK$389,000-777,000

Sold for $82,550

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024