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 almost takes more work to appreciate.  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, sharp case, charming dial and matching hands and the coveted black date disc in very honest condition.  A reference I’m frequently asked about, I often share that when it comes to the blue dial Nautili there are two levels, those with white date discs, and those with black, and the black date disc should (rightfully so) command a premium. 

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.

Dial: The distinct ribbed blue dial is very attractive and exhibits slight gradient of color on the raise ribs, reminiscent of examples that have gone “tropical”.  There is light, faint scratch to the right of the signature and just below the 1 o’clock index that is not perceivable on wrist.  Unfortunately, the tritium lume in the hands cracked during transit and they have since been professionally color and UV signature matched by True Patina (the absolute master).

Movement: The caliber 335SC automatic winding movement is winding, setting, and date changing smoothly and correctly.  The watch is running at approximately + 0.5 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 6.75” wrist, with crisp and full medallion on the clasp.  The removable links exhibit light stretch, and it’s in very nice condition overall.

Includes: The watch includes an Extract from the Archives indicating production in 1982.