103 Patek Philippe Very Rare and Precious, Nautilus, Automatic Wristwatch in Platinum, With Diamond-Set Indexes, Reference 3800/3, With Extract from the Archives

Estimate: €100,000 –⁠ 200,000

Model: Nautilus
Reference: 3800/1
Case Material: Platinum
Bracelet Material: Platinum
Year: 1990s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 330/194
Case N°: 2990795
Movement N°: 3020648
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

Although it has been appreciated since its market introduction in 1976, the Nautilus received some criticism for being too large in diameter compared to the standards of the period. So it was that 4 years later Patek Philippe decided to launch a reference of smaller dimensions and more in line with the general tastes: the 3800. The style and the design remained unchanged, they only changed the dimensions that from the initial 42 mm of the case passed 37, while the two ears at the sides of the case, the integrated bracelet that tapered to the buckle and the iconic smoothened octagonal bezel stayed the same. The reference was in production from 1981 to 2006 when it was replaced by reference 5800. The present lot 3800 is part of a small series realized in platinum with some definitely rare details. The first thing that strikes is, of course, its beautiful conservation of both case and bracelet with very minimum signs of wearing. First detail, the caliber, which is the 335 with the appreciated quick-set date mechanics and sweep second-hand. Second, and most important of all, the dark blue sigma dial is simply astonishing with its iconic horizontal channels embellished with the 11 diamonds used as indexes.