Patek Philippe Nautilus Midsize 18K

About the Watch

The Nautilus collection originated from the creative mind of the late Gérald Genta. Notably, Genta sketched its design in just five minutes while dining in close proximity to Patek Philippe executives. In contrast to the conventional discreet luxury watches, exemplified by shiny objects peeking from shirt cuffs, both the Nautilus and the Royal Oak defied norms. Their large matte cases, featuring pronounced bezels with subtle shine on polished bevels, deviated from the traditional aesthetic. The Nautilus, drawing inspiration from hermetically sealed portholes on transatlantic ocean liners, showcased a rounded octagonal shape. This stood in contrast to the Royal Oak's eight-sided octagonal bezel, inspired by deep-sea dive helmets.

Slightly more compact than its predecessor, the Reference 3700, the Reference 3800 offers a sleek and elegant take on the original Nautilus design. While the original Reference 3800 featured a minimalist two-hand layout, its successor introduced a central seconds hand, adding a touch of dynamism to the dial. Technically, Patek Philippe implemented the seconds display with the in-house Caliber 335 S C ("SC" for seconde centrale), a significant upgrade over the Jaeger-LeCoultre movement used in the earlier model. The Caliber 335 SC boasts a 45-hour power reserve, 29 jewels, and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). It even includes a hacking seconds function and is still regarded as one of the finest ultra-thin movements ever produced.

The Reference 3800, produced from 1981 to 2005, holds the distinction of being the longest-running Patek Philippe Nautilus model. It offered remarkable variety, including bi-color and solid gold versions, as well as a range of dial options, making it highly sought after by collectors. This model comes with an Extract of Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1988 and its original presentation box.

About the Brand

When it comes to impeccable craftsmanship, pioneering designs and rich history of Genevan watchmaking inventions, there is none more qualified than that of Patek Philippe. The company began its legacy in the nineteenth century, founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe and has a tradition of innovation that has been crowned by over one hundred patents. The brand is renowned for its hand-finished watches and skilled craftsman that ensure each and every timepiece is of the highest of standards.