The 3800 might just be the perfect go anywhere, do anything integrated sport watch, Patek Philippe, vintage bracelet watch… well you get the point.  Less flashy and eye catching than a midsize royal oak, the beauty is really in spending some quality time with it.  Compared to a 4100 or 14790 RO, it feels simple at first, maybe even a bit… boring, but those attributes are also where it excels in the long term, stick with me here.  It’s thinner, hugs the wrist better, a(n even) more comfortable bracelet, and a dial that comes to life over time when you catch all the wonderful different angles.  The porthole effect seems to be greater on the Nautilus which pays dividends as the longer you wear it, the more you’re delighted to different hues, texture, details, and overall vibrance.  It’s sophisticated but casual, elegant but unassuming, immensely easy to wear, and entirely under the radar. 

This example presents a full, very sharp case, a dial that absolutely pops with a rich patina and warmly patinated hands. Not all Nautili age to develop great patina, but this one certainly has “it”.

Case: The 37.5 mm stainless steel case is very full, even, sharp, defined, and possibly unpolished.  The case is in very good condition throughout, with an extremely clean bezel, and only minor surface swirls as pictured. The bezel, in particular, absolutely pops with well defined brushing.

Dial: The distinct ribbed blue (“black” per the extracts) dial is super vibrant and bright and this one absolutely pops with a rich deep patina on the hour markers and hands that have aged to a slightly lighter hue. Both dial and hands are tritium and exhibit a consistent signature under UV light.

Movement: The caliber 335SC automatic winding movement is winding, setting, and date changing smoothly and correctly.  The watch is running at approximately + 1 s/d averaged across 6 positions.

Bracelet: A bracelet that’s easy to overlook due to the relative “simplicity” (as compared to the Royal Oak), it’s one of the most comfortable and easy wearing bracelets out there.  This one will fit up to an approximate 7.5” wrist, with crisp and full medallion on the clasp.  The bracelet exhibits very little stretch overall and features the butterfly style clasp.

Includes: The watch includes an Extract from the Archives indicating production in 1998 and subsequent sale in 1998. 2016 service papers and receipt are also included along with serial matching envelope. A leather Patek travel case is also included, along with its outer box.