What We Love
Quite possibly one of the best Nautilus 3800s we've ever had through our hands. This beautiful two-tone 3800 dates to 1986, was originally sold in 1987 and comes with its original papers. It has also just returned from a Patek Philippe service in 2026. We'd comfortably rate this one a 9.5/10 overall, and that's not something we say lightly.
The condition really is quite remarkable. Starting with the dial, which is preserved perfectly, retaining its original handset and the lovely black, thick-font date disc. A combination we particularly love on these earlier examples.
The bracelet is arguably the biggest highlight. Fully linked with absolutely zero stretch, it feels almost like new. Anyone familiar with the 3800 will know just how difficult it is to find one with a bracelet this tight, particularly after 40 years. The Patek Philippe logo on the clasp is also beautifully crisp, another detail we always look for.
The combination of steel and yellow gold has aged wonderfully and, in our opinion, the smaller proportions of the 3800 make this one of the most wearable Nautilus references ever produced.
Fresh from Patek Philippe in 2026, accompanied by its original papers from 1987, this is about as good as it gets for a 3800/AJ. We've handled plenty over the years, but very few come close to this one.
What You Should Know
The watch has been polished during its recent Patek Philippe service in 2026. Very minor signs of handling may be present, but otherwise there's remarkably little to report. Overall condition is exceptional. These models wear more like 35mm on the wrist.
What We Love
Quite possibly one of the best Nautilus 3800s we've ever had through our hands. This beautiful two-tone 3800 dates to 1986, was originally sold in 1987 and comes with its original papers. It has also just returned from a Patek Philippe service in 2026. We'd comfortably rate this one a 9.5/10 overall, and that's not something we say lightly.
The condition really is quite remarkable. Starting with the dial, which is preserved perfectly, retaining its original handset and the lovely black, thick-font date disc. A combination we particularly love on these earlier examples.
The bracelet is arguably the biggest highlight. Fully linked with absolutely zero stretch, it feels almost like new. Anyone familiar with the 3800 will know just how difficult it is to find one with a bracelet this tight, particularly after 40 years. The Patek Philippe logo on the clasp is also beautifully crisp, another detail we always look for.
The combination of steel and yellow gold has aged wonderfully and, in our opinion, the smaller proportions of the 3800 make this one of the most wearable Nautilus references ever produced.
Fresh from Patek Philippe in 2026, accompanied by its original papers from 1987, this is about as good as it gets for a 3800/AJ. We've handled plenty over the years, but very few come close to this one.
What You Should Know
The watch has been polished during its recent Patek Philippe service in 2026. Very minor signs of handling may be present, but otherwise there's remarkably little to report. Overall condition is exceptional. These models wear more like 35mm on the wrist.
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