It’s been 45 years since the creation of the original Patek Philippe Nautilus and this now classic piece, is more popular than ever. First unveiled by Patek Philippe in the 1970s and designed by Gérald Genta, who incidentally designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak amongst others, the Nautilus has become a cultural icon due to its distinctive features and its role as a pioneer for high-end luxury sport watches.

The early 1970s was a time of great change within the watch industry, where the concept of a luxury watch in steel was a truly revolutionary idea. In 1976, the introduction of the Patek Philippe Nautilus firmly altered the direction of luxury sports watch design – offering a true competitor to Audemars Piguets’ then four-year-old Royal Oak.

This example, the reference 3800/1, was first produced in the early 1980s, as an alternative to the ‘jumbo’ 3700/1, with a reduced diameter of 37.5mm (over 41mm) - in response to the initial slow start of the original reference. As with all Patek Philippe Nautilus examples, the reference 3800/1 features an integrated, water-tight "porthole" case, famously penned by Gérald Genta.

In essence, the reference 3800/1 is a scaled-down version of the 3700/1. The watch displays the same dark-blue, ridged dial, with horizontal grooves (as seen in the 3700/1), along with applied tritium-filled hour markers, white outer-minute divisions, polished baton hands (with luminous inserts) and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Further featured in this piece, is the rarer, dark-coloured date disc.

With this example, the index-markers and hands are manufactured from white gold, indicated by the lower case Greek letter ‘sigma’ at the bottom of the dial. The ‘sigma’ signature was a visual declaration of the use of precious materials, and was adopted by a number of manufactures throughout the 70’s - emphasising the inherent value of a high-quality, mechanical watch.

Like the Ref. 3700/1, the case and integral bracelet are excellently finished, with angular, beveled and polished edges. The polished screws, bezel and case edges fantastically-contrast with the brushed surface of the case and bracelet. At 37.5mm in diameter, and only 7.5mm thick, this 3800/1 Nautilus case is a unique twist of perspectives and size, and wears comfortably on the wrist.  

As a result of Patek Philippe's decision to develop its own in-house, ultra-slim movement, the reference 3800/1 features an updated calibre 335 S C (for “seconde centrale” or “central second”), replacing the previous calibre 28-255C movement. The calibre 335 S C features 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance; adjusted to cold, heat, isochronism, and 5 positions, a self-compensating flat balance spring and shock absorber mechanism. Furthermore, the solid-gold rotor is finished in classic Patek Philippe style, with circular Geneva stripes.

This Patek Philippe 3800/1 comes accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin (dated 24 January 1991), its original product literature, leather wallet and fitted presentation box. The watch was fully serviced by Patek Philippe in October 2015, and comes with a Wempe service guarantee.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.