Patek Philippe Nautilus (Ref. 3800J) 18K YG, 1980s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Designed by Gerald Genta, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is a 1970s icon. Although the Patek Nautilus reference 3700 AKA the “jumbo” case, with its 42mm diameter case, was the initial Gerald Genta design offered by Patek it appeared that the market at that time wasn't ready for a watch that that large in size. In 1981 while the 3700 was still in production, Patek decided to introduce a slightly smaller version of the Nautilus reference to gain traction commercial viability via reference 3800/1. Apart from the physical size difference of 37.5mm, the Patek Phillipe 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 3700 series. There is also a subtle difference in the font of the date wheel. In 1981 Patek Philippe acknowledged its critics, by presenting a watch that was more in line with its typical luxury design standards with the ref. 3800. 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 # PPNL3800J Brand Patek Philippe Style Nautilus Model 3800J Serial N/A Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Blue Millimeters 37.5 Bracelet Patek Integrated 18K YG Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The gorgeous 18k yellow gold case appears to have been very lightly polished in the past and shows extremely clean brushing, angles, and chamfers throughout with only minimal signs of previous use. The bezel remains clean showing almost no signs of use and retains crisp finishing and angles. The case retains its original unsigned Patek Philippe winding crown. The integrated 18k yellow gold bracelet retains a total of 23 links that display no stretch from use. The hallmarks remain deep and preset throughout the case and clasp. DIAL & HANDS The beautiful gilded blue dial is a work of horological art, perfectly contrasting the gold of the case, dial markers, and hands. The dial itself exhibits no imperfections or age. The tritium markers have aged to a lovely creamy coloration and display no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and display no visible degradation when inspected under U.V. light. ACCESSORIES None.