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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Patek Philippe Nautilus Midsize Reference 3900/1A

Partially verified

The Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3900/1A is a midsize wristwatch manufactured during the 1980s. Constructed from stainless steel, the watch features a 32 mm diameter case and an integrated stainless steel bracelet. The watch face is a blue gradient dial with a horizontal teak-pattern, identified by the Sigma mark. It includes luminous-coated hour markers and hands. Internally, the timepiece is powered by the Patek Philippe Calibre E23 S C, which is a quartz movement. As a midsize model, this reference offers a smaller alternative to larger counterparts in the Nautilus family while retaining the series' design elements. The auction description notes the importance of verifying the authenticity of the dial, bracelet integration, and the quartz movement during assessment.

A midsize Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3900/1A in stainless steel with a blue teak-pattern dial.
A midsize Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3900/1A in stainless steel with a blue teak-pattern dial. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
3900/1A
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1980s
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Design and Construction

The Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3900/1A features a 32 mm diameter stainless steel case, designed with the porthole-inspired architecture associated with the Nautilus line. The case is matched with an integrated stainless steel bracelet that follows the established design language of the model family, balancing both sport and formal characteristics.

The dial is rendered in a blue gradient with an embossed horizontal teak-pattern. It features luminous-coated hour markers and hands to facilitate legibility. The dial is marked with the Sigma symbol, indicating the use of gold or precious material components, and includes a date window positioned at the 3 o'clock mark.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت از استیل ضد زنگ ساخته شده و دارای قطر ۳۲ میلی‌متر است”
  • “این بدنه با یک دستبند یکپارچه از جنس استیل تکمیل می‌شود”
  • “این صفحه به رنگ آبی با گرادینت و الگوی خطی «تیک» (teak-pattern) طراحی شده است که با علامت «Sigma» مشخص می‌شود”

Movement and Functionality

The watch is powered by the Patek Philippe Calibre E23 S C. This is a quartz movement designed for this specific reference, intended to provide the reliability and accuracy for daily wear. The use of this quartz engine aligns with the technical specifications of the midsize Nautilus variants produced during this period.

The inclusion of the E23 S C movement allows for a thinner profile within the 32 mm case, maintaining the proportions expected of a midsize luxury sports watch. Collectors are advised to confirm the condition of this specific movement to ensure the continued functionality and overall value of the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “قلب تپنده این ساعت مجهز به کالیبر E23 S C، یک موتور کوارتز تولیدی پتک فیلیپ است”
  • “استفاده از این موتور در این رفرنس، دقت و قابلیت اطمینان لازم برای استفاده‌های روزمره را فراهم کرده”

Authenticity and Verification

Given the rarity and significance of the Nautilus collection, the auction description emphasizes the necessity of verifying the integrity of the watch. Specifically, collectors are encouraged to inspect the originality of the Sigma-marked dial, the condition of the integrated stainless steel bracelet, and the operational status of the quartz calibre.

These checks are fundamental when assessing the provenance and market value of the reference 3900/1A. The source notes that such assessments provide assurance regarding the authenticity of the watch and its individual components.

Evidence for this section
  • “هنگام بررسی این مدل، کلکسیونرها باید به وضعیت اصالت اجزای ساعت توجه ویژه داشته باشند”
  • “بررسی وضعیت صفحه «سیگما»، یکپارچگی دستبند استیل و سلامت کالیبر کوارتز E23 S C اهمیت بسیاری دارد”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date range for the 3900/1A reference?
  • Are there distinct dial color variations associated with this reference beyond the blue gradient?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Nautilus Midsize Reference 3900/1A
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“برند: Patek Philippe”
ModelNautilus“مدل: Nautilus”
Reference3900/1A“رفرنس: 3900/1A”
Case MaterialStainless steel“جنس بدنه: استیل ضد زنگ”
Diameter32mm“قطر بدنه: 32mm”
Movement TypeQuartz“نوع موتور: کوارتز”
CalibreE23 S C“کالیبر: Calibre E23 S C”
Date1980s“دوره ساخت: دهه ۱۹۸۰”

Visible details

  • Integrated stainless steel bracelet with center polished links
  • Blue dial with horizontal embossed pattern
  • Porthole-shaped octagonal bezel with rounded corners
  • Date aperture at the 3 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes the watch to the 1980s without specifying a precise year.
  • The source notes that independent verification of the movement and component authenticity is recommended.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی سایز متوسط Patek Philippe Nautilus رفرنس 3900/1A

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5193e0ef42

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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