1988 Patek Philippe Two-Tone Nautilus (Ref. 3800/1) W/ Extract From Archive

Designed by Gerald Genta, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is a 1970s icon.  Although the Patek Nautilus reference 3700 AKA the “jumbo” case, with its 42mm diameter case, was the initial Gerald Genta design offered by Patek it appeared that the market at that time wasn't ready for a watch that that large in size. In 1981 while the 3700 was still in production, Patek decided to introduce a slightly smaller version of the Nautilus reference to gain traction commercial viability via reference 3800/1. Apart from the physical size difference of 37.5mm, the Patek Phillipe 3800/1 carries with it many similar design traits as its bigger brother with a monobloc case, an integrated bracelet that tapers to the buckle, and the iconic rounded octagonal bezel. Aside from the case size, the most obvious difference is the addition of a sweep second hand which is of course not seen in the 3700 series. There is also a subtle difference in the font of the date wheel. In 1981 Patek Philippe acknowledged its critics, by presenting a watch that was more in line with its typical luxury design standards with the ref. 3800. 

The Nautilus is a design icon and has set the standard for the perfect anywhere anytime style of watch that could pair with the formalist of formal to the casualist of casual.