Patek Philippe Nautilus

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 Genta's second great luxury sports watch, and with the 5711 having been discontinued in steel, this dramatic rise in popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Interestingly, most demand for Nautilus models is centered around Jumbo models in steel, something we can't fully wrap our heads around given the sheer excellent of smaller variants. This midsize Nautilus, a Reference 3800/1J, embodies all of the porthole-inspired character of its larger siblings, just with a slightly smaller 37mm case, and a perhaps more polarizing metal color. Dating to circa 1989, it features a matching integrated yellow gold bracelet, a signed crown, a beautiful blue dial with an outer 'railroad' minute track, applied yellow gold indices, and a matching handset, and Patek's Calibre 335SC automatic movement inside. It also happens to ship with its Extract from the Archives. The Nautilus has become a true piece of horological history — an icon of icons, it must be experienced to be believed!