Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 3800/1, Movement No. 1'424'096, Case No. 2'810'685, manufactured in 1984

Fresh to the market, only approximately three other examples of the 3800/1 with this dial configuration are presently known publically. The present watch was however originally fitted with the classic black matte ribbed Nautilus dial as stated on the Extract from the Archives. That dial was most likely changed during a service at the request of the then owner and replaced with the present much more easily readable and very rare type of Nautilus dial. In this instance, the changed dial can be considered an enhancement and is a great rarity in its own right.

Within the reference 3800 family numerous dial options were offered, including jeweled dials, black, white and gilt dials, as well as versions with various forms of baton markers and Roman numerals. The present dial has two highly unusual variations from the standard: firstly, it is slate-grey without the traditional ridges seen on most Nautilus watches and has an attractive gun-metal satiné finish. Secondly, it has white painted Arabic numerals that give the dial an overall Art Deco and bold appearance. Overall, the aesthetic of the watch is completely changed from a typical 3800/1 and this Nautilus comes to life as something quite unusual for the collector.
A 3800/1 with identical dial configuration is illustrated in:
Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 233. Another example with this dial can be seen in: Patek Philippe Steel Watches, John Goldberger, p. 372.