Patek Philippe

Though sometimes overshadowed by its older sibling, the Ref. 3800/1A is a Nautilus with a significance all of its own. To fully appreciate it, one must first possess an understanding of the Ref. 3700, and its similarly convention-challenging nature. At the time of the Ref. 3700/1A’s 1976 introduction, any luxury timepiece produced in stainless steel would’ve attracted significant amounts of attention, though the notion of one produced by Patek Philippe was nothing if not all the more unexpected. Up until this point, the manufacture had been associated with smaller, tradition-guided designs, crafted using precious metals. This naturally made the release of the Gerald Genta-designed Nautilus a definite departure from watchmaking conventions of old.

After having successfully redefining what a luxury timepiece could be, Patek Philippe chose to address the watch-buying market’s enthusiastic response by developing the Nautilus into a fully-fledged collection. This was accomplished through the 1980 launch of the 27 mm ladies’ Ref. 4700, and perhaps more notably through the Ref. 3800 of 1981. Like the icon-establishing reference which came before it, the newer Ref. 3800 sported all the same celebrated styling cues, albeit in a 4.5 mm smaller case, coming in at a comparably conservative 37.5 mm across.

In today’s market, this reference’s acclaim stems not only from the simple fact that it’s a Nautilus, but from how it so sophisticatedly represents the manufacture’s commitment to furthering the collection as a whole. On the mechanical front, the Ref. 3800 conveyed continual progress through Patek Philippe’s decision to power examples using in-house, central seconds equipped calibers instead of a Jaeger LeCoultre ébauche. From an aesthetic perspective, the newer reference undoubtedly adhered to the framework of its predecessor, though again signified innovation through the array of attractive variants in which it was produced. It’s for this reason that collectors after more uniquely executed examples of the Nautilus turn to the Ref. 3800 time and time again. What elevates this particular example above others in similarly excellent condition is the presence of its full suite of accessories, a testament to the meticulous nature and attention to detail of the watch's only owner. Accompanying the watch is its original packaging including one of the most iconic and elusive accessories of all, the Patek Philippe Nautilus cork box with outer box. In additional to this, it retains its original product literature including its Certificate of Origin, leather pouch, original purchase invoice form Golay Fils and Stahl S.A dated 25-1-83or Geneva, and its service receipt.

We are pleased to offer this lot on behalf of an important Latin American ambassador who fell in love and purchased this piece while dropping off his grandfather's Gondolo pocket watch at the Patek Philippe Boutique in Geneva. The present lot has been worn lovingly and is presented in overall very good condition and received a full Patek Philippe service in 2016.