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 recent news of the discontinuation of the flagship reference 5711 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...

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 in yellow gold. Dating to circa the 1980s, it features a matching integrated yellow gold bracelet, a signed crown, a gorgeous, blue 'teak' dial with applied Tritium-filled indices and a matching handset, and Patek's Calibre 335SC automatic movement inside.

These midsize iterations sit so flush on the wrist, with a dress watch like comfort on the wrist thanks to its more compact presence. Here, the design and material do the speaking for the watch, while the case size does wonders to make the piece a bit more tasteful and reserved in spite of its flash. The result is a complete and utter classic. 

The Nautilus has become a true piece of horological history; an icon of icons; and must be experienced to be understood!

Founded in Geneva in 1839, Patek Philippe occupies a rare position in watchmaking: a manufacture whose name has become shorthand for the very highest level of traditional Swiss horology. Its reputation has been built not simply on complication, but on an extraordinary continuity of design, technical innovation, hand-finishing, and craftsmanship. From the elemental elegance of the Calatrava to milestones such as the Reference 1518, the first serially produced perpetual-calendar chronograph wristwatch, Patek Philippe has repeatedly created watches that define their categories rather than participate in them.

Family-owned and independent since the Stern family acquired the company in 1932, Patek has the unusual freedom to think in generations rather than seasons. That independence has produced some wonderfully contrarian decisions, including discontinuing the wildly desirable steel Nautilus Reference 5711 at the height of its popularity. Today, its collection spans restrained dress watches, complicated masterpieces, and contemporary icons such as the Nautilus and Aquanaut, yet a remarkably consistent design language runs through them all.

For many collectors, owning a Patek Philippe represents something close to the summit of the hobby; for others, Patek becomes the hobby itself. Either way, few manufactures combine history, mechanical achievement, design, rarity, and emotion quite so convincingly. And, yes, as the famous campaign has reminded us for decades, ownership is supposedly temporary. You never actually own a Patek Philippe…

Well, you know the rest.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.