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Patek Philippe Ref. 3800/1A
Most people think of the 5711 when it comes to the Patek Philippe Nautilus, but there’s a couple great references in between the 3700 and the 5711. This is my favourite of the generations in between them, the reference 3800. With an automatic Patek calibre in a 37.5mm case, it has so much of the same look and feel as the original 3700. The bezel, case and bracelet all feel very close to the original reference, which is what catches my heart every time. Especially when you find a nice unpolished example like this one. It even had its original certificate, dated to 1996.
Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 3730 Yellow Gold Onyx Dial
A rather special Patek Philippe Ellipse. Reference 3730 with a rare, amazing uncracked onyx dial paired with yellow gold dagger hands. We see a rather spanky stepped case finished in yellow gold.
This watch brought a lot of attention when I posted it on Instagram, and I wonder why these onyx dial Pateks are becoming incredibly hard to find in this condition.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5140/R Perpetual Calendar + Moon Phases
Patek Philippe’s flagship complication is the one and only perpetual calendar. They made the first perpetual calendar, the first perpetual calendar chronograph, and the first self-winding perpetual calendar.
This watch here is the re-edition of the widely loved 3940, which comes in at 36mm. The 5140 comes in at 37mm, kitted out with the same complications as the 3940, just coming in a slightly bigger case size.
On the back side, we see a full open case back with a very nice mini rotor for those who love them. I enjoyed the watch while it was in my possession — a very complicated watch in a very thin and classy dress watch case.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5066
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut is the brand’s first sports watch on a rubber strap. It has grown to be on par with the 5711 in popularity, in my opinion.
The 5060 with a closed case back was the first reference released in 1997. The second generation we have here is the 5066, with a full open case back and automatic movement, unlike the 5060, which has only a basic Patek quartz calibre.
This watch comes in at a rather nice 36mm size, making it a very comfortable wear compared to the modern-day 5167 and 5168 references.
Patek Philippe Ref. 1517 – Pink on Pink
A Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 1517 featuring a pink gold case paired with a matching pink sector dial. A stunning piece of horological history, it represents an exceptional entry point into vintage Patek Philippe collecting, especially with its highly desirable combination of a pink gold case and matching pink dial.
Dating to the 1940s, this watch features the sought-after long signature dial that vintage Patek Philippe collectors admire, making it a truly special and collectible timepiece.
Patek Philippe Ref. 3800/1J
A rather amazing example of a 3800 Nautilus from pre-1990, which we can tell from the extract, as well as the black date disk which is seen in examples before 1990. When we look at the watch overall, the condition is second to none, with a sharp case and great finish all around.
Coming in at 37.7mm, it’s rather nice to wear, and it’s not so bulky and out there compared to other Nautilus references. The 3800 is the second generation of Nautilus by Patek Philippe and is becoming incredibly popular among collectors of Patek due to the value in the watch. Let’s take a look at the 5711/1R, which right now is a £175,000 watch in the market, and then we look at this example, which sits around £85,000 and looks 100 times better than the 5711 in rose (current production Nautilus).
Rolex King Midas
A lovely example of a vintage Rolex King Midas, recently sold here at Foster & Sohne.
A rather unconventional-looking Rolex, the King Midas was introduced in the early 1960s with the reference 9630.
The design is widely attributed to Gérald Genta, and its unusual asymmetric case and integrated bracelet certainly make it stand apart from the more familiar Rolex designs of the period.
Inside, the original Midas was powered by the remarkably thin, hand-wound Calibre 650, allowing Rolex to keep the watch relatively slim despite the substantial gold case and bracelet.
With its Greek-inspired design, solid gold construction and fascinating history, the Midas remains one of the more interesting and often overlooked vintage Rolex models.