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Patek Philippe Nautilus (Ref. 3800/1), 1983 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Patek Philippe Nautilus (Ref. 3800/1), 1983

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
1983
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 42 mm
Stock no.
PPNL3800-4
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PPNL3800-4)
Catalogue title (original)
1983 Patek Philippe Nautilus (Ref. 3800/1) W/ Box, Original Papers, & Double Extracts (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number PPNL3800-4), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1983. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 42 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Designed by Gerald Genta, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is a 1970s icon. Although the Nautilus reference 3700, AKA the 42mm diameter “jumbo” case model, was the original Genta design offered by Patek Philippe. The result of the underachieving release determined that the watch enthusiast market wasn't ready for a watch that large, at that time. In 1981 while the 3700 was still in production, Patek Philippe acknowledged its critics, by presenting a watch that was more in line with its typical luxury design standards by introducing a slightly smaller version of the Nautilus reference to gain commercial viability traction via reference 3800/1. Apart from the physical size difference of 37.5mm, the Patek Phillipe ref. 3800/1 carries with it many similar design traits as its bigger brother with a monobloc case, an integrated bracelet that tapers to the buckle, and the iconic rounded octagonal bezel. Aside from the case size, the most obvious difference is the addition of a sweep second hand which is of course not seen in the ref. 3700 series. There is also a subtle difference in the font of the date wheel. The Nautilus is a design icon and has set the standard for the perfect anywhere anytime style of watch that could pair with the most formal of formal to the most casual of casual. Stock # PPNL3800-4 Brand Patek Philippe Style Nautilus Model 3800/1A Serial 14XXXXX / 28XXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Blue Millimeters 37.5 Bracelet Patek Philippe Integrated Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The exceptionally well-preserved case retains crisp angles and chamfers throughout with minimal evidence of previous polishing present and only gentle signs of use. The bezel is in very clean condition overall, showing almost no signs of use with strong finishing present. The case retains its original unsigned Patek Philippe winding crown. The original integrated bracelet retains a total of 24 links that display almost no stretch from use and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The beautiful gilded blue dial is a work of horological art, perfectly harmonizing with the cool stainless steel case. The dial itself is in virtually flawless condition, exhibiting no imperfections or elements of age. The tritium markers and hands have evenly aged to achieve a handsome warm patina and both exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection. ACCESSORIES The watch comes as a complete set with the original inner and outer boxes, Certificate of Origin, and two Extracts From The Archives, one dating to 2004 and the other being from 2016. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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