Patek Philippe

When Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus reference 3700/001 in 1976, they may not have foreseen that they were unveiling one of the most iconic and beloved wristwatches of the 20th century. Designed by Gérald Genta, the Nautilus broke new ground as a casual, sporty timepiece, drawing inspiration from the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners.

In 1981, Patek Philippe expanded the Nautilus collection with the reference 3800/1A. With a more compact 37.5mm diameter, the 3800 offered an alternative to the larger 3700, catering to a broader audience who favored more modestly sized watches at the time. Produced from 1981 to 2006, the 3800 underwent four series of movement upgrades during its 25-year run. Among the various dial configurations, this example stands out as the quintessential model, featuring a blue-grey ribbed dial and luminous baton indexes. Notably, this reference 3800 is equipped with the rare, early black date disc with white numerals—an element highly coveted by collectors for its seamless integration into the design and its association with earlier models.

Nearly half a century after the Nautilus’s debut, it remains an icon in the world of horology. This classic and versatile first series reference 3800 is a superb piece, offering true connoisseurs a remarkable opportunity to own a slice of Patek Philippe history.