The Nautilus is without question one of the great horological icons of the 1970s, and one of the most in-demand timepiece models on the planet.
Collectors and prospectors alike are clamoring to get their hands on one of Genta's great luxury sport watch designs, and with the discontinuation of the flagship Reference 5711 in steel, this dramatic rise in popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
This midsize Nautilus, a Reference 3800/1J, embodies all of the porthole-inspired character of its larger steel siblings, but with a bit more flair and panache. Dating to 1989, it shows off a solid, 18K yellow gold 37mm case with a courtside-ready, factory diamond-set bezel, a matching yellow gold integrated bracelet, Patek's Calibre 335 SC self-winding movement, and a stunning diamond-set sunburst dial with double emerald hour indices.
Holy smokes.
A Patek Philippe Nautilus — in any of its variations — is a very special thing.
But we'd be lying if we said we didn't have a real affinity for the Ref. 3800 midsize models — particularly one that shines bright like a diamond!