I was just diggin’ around online, you know, window shoppin’ like I do (dreamin’ is free!), and saw a bunch of different models pop up. You got the vintage vibes with the 3700/1 in yellow gold, which, man, those things are like finding a needle in a haystack in good condition. They’re from way back when, and if you find one, especially with a “Gubelin” or “Beyer” stamp (those are famous retailers, FYI), and a full set (box, papers, the whole shebang!), hold onto it tight! Seriously, those are collector gold.
Then there’s the 3800, slightly smaller, but still that Nautilus DNA. I saw one described as having “hairline scratches consistent with age.” Okay, that’s watch-speak for “it’s been worn, but not abused,” I guess. Honestly, a little wear and tear adds character, right? I mean, it shows it’s lived a life. Plus, sometimes you can snag a better deal that way, which is always a plus in my book.
And let’s not forget the 4700. I saw one described as a “vintage gem in captivating yellow gold.” Captivating! Sounds like it’s trying to seduce my bank account. It probably would if I actually *had* a bank account big enough for a Patek. Sigh.
I gotta say, though, trying to nail down the *exact* price of these things is a nightmare. The market is crazy! What someone’s willing to pay today could be totally different tomorrow. I even saw something about checking historical price charts for the 5711J to get an idea… which is helpful-ish, I suppose, but it’s not a direct comparison. Like, comparing apples to slightly shinier, gold-plated apples.
Honestly, if you’re thinking about getting one, do your research. Like, *really* do your research. Talk to dealers, check auction sites, and maybe even sell a kidney. (Just kidding… mostly.)
