Lot Essay
Consigned by the family of the original owner, the present timepiece is a keen opportunity to acquire a lesser-known, and uncommon configuration of the storied Nautilus model. In fact, the movements of the early 3800 models, such as in the present lot, have a gold rotor without the famous Calatrava cross engraving which is unusual and unexpected to see, even for the astute collector of Patek Philippe watches.
Reference 3800
Reference 3800 represents the mid-size iteration of the iconic Nautilus model. Released in 1981 to entice collectors who deemed the 42 millimeter size of the original Nautilus as excessive, the watch amazingly remained in production until 2006, during which the movement presented several evolutions.
Many early models feature caliber 335 SC without the quick set date feature through the crown. Such development was introduced in all 3800 models in 1987 while keeping the same caliber 335 SC. In 1992, a third generation was introduced featuring caliber 330 134, and finally caliber 330 194 was employed for the pieces made from 1997 to 2006.
Reference 3800
Reference 3800 represents the mid-size iteration of the iconic Nautilus model. Released in 1981 to entice collectors who deemed the 42 millimeter size of the original Nautilus as excessive, the watch amazingly remained in production until 2006, during which the movement presented several evolutions.
Many early models feature caliber 335 SC without the quick set date feature through the crown. Such development was introduced in all 3800 models in 1987 while keeping the same caliber 335 SC. In 1992, a third generation was introduced featuring caliber 330 134, and finally caliber 330 194 was employed for the pieces made from 1997 to 2006.