Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/3 'Diamond Bezel and Index'

At Collectors Gallery Dubai, the 3800 isn’t just our favourite Nautilus. It’s the ultimate Nautilus. Its perfectly balanced proportions, vintage character, and effortlessly bold presence make it, in our eyes, one of the most beautifully designed watches ever created.

When Patek Philippe launched the Nautilus 3800 in 1981, it wasn’t just a smaller sibling to the groundbreaking 3700. It became an icon in its own right. With its 37.5mm case, the 3800 struck a perfect balance between wearability and presence, bringing Gérald Genta’s bold design into a size that fits every wrist. 

A Collectors Gallery Favourite 
This example, the 3800/3, is an elevated expression of that design, cased in glowing yellow gold and adorned with a factory-set bezel of 40 brilliant-cut diamonds. Its gilt ribbed dial is set with 11 diamond hour markers, shimmering against the deep golden tones. Together, they transform the Nautilus into a jewel-like masterpiece, where sport-luxury meets high elegance.

At its heart beats the self-winding caliber 330 SC, which was an upgraded movement compared to the original 3700, now featuring a sweeping seconds hand. A subtle yet important evolution, it adds both technical refinement and practicality.

What makes this piece even more remarkable is its rarity. While the Nautilus 3800 is already a cult favourite among collectors, diamond-set examples like this scarcely surface on the market.

Condition
This 3800/3 has been preserved in exceptional shape. The gilt dial is clean and vibrant, with all eleven diamond markers intact and brilliant. The bezel sparkles with its full complement of factory-set stones, while the yellow gold case retains sharp edges and strong definition. Its integrated bracelet shows no stretch, a rare and telling sign of careful wear over three decades. In short, this is the kind of preservation that seasoned collectors immediately take notice of.

Accompanied by its Extract from the Archives, dating it to 1993, this watch stands as a complete and rare opportunity to own one of the most captivating vintage executions of the Nautilus.

In a world where even steel Nautilus models are the stuff of dreams, this diamond-set 3800/3 is nothing short of legendary.