Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/105

Mouthwatering midsize Nautilus. With elaborate factory-set gems on the centrelink, bezel and dial.

Patek Philippe introduced the 3800 as the midsize brother of the original 3700 Nautilus, clocking in at a diameter of 37.5 mm. The 3800 wasn’t just a shrunken Nautilus, but introduced some important improvements vis-à-vis its big brother. For instance, the 3800 was the first Nautilus to feature an in-house automatic movement: the caliber 335 SC. Moreover, the 3800 also was the first Nautilus reference to feature a center seconds (as indicated by the “SC”, which stands for seconde centrale).

The ref. 3800/10x subseries of the mid-size Nautilus features exquisite gem-set models. Reference /105 is characterised by a 3-row diamond bezel and diamonds in the centrelink of the bracelet. features. Out of only a handful -of this execution- publicly known, only 3 have a fully pave-set dial. The quarters are set with baguette sapphires, bringing perfect balance to the dial, alongside the blue date at 3 o'clock. Meanwhile, the broad faceted dauphine hands inject the watch with a hint of 1950s elegance.

Patek started to experiment with these diamond decorated sports watches in the 80's. There are numerous variants and most are made in rather small quantities; mainly due to the exorbitantly high pricing. Makes you wonder what person bought this specimen in 1984. However it was, it was taken great care of by the owner; since the condition is so striking.