Late Virgil Abloh – Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus ‘champagne’ dial

Late Virgil Abloh was the owner of a beautiful and rare vintage 42mm Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus in 18k yellow gold with a ‘champagne’ dial. Less than 50 examples of this model were ever produced.

The American designer was often seen with different Nautilus models, a line of watches that were introduced to the market in 1976, designed by Gerald Genta, who is also the mind behind the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Overall Review

Since they produce the most valuable watches in the market, Patek Philippe has consistently been a timepiece company for a select few. They primarily used priceless metal to create mechanical masterpieces meant to suit the gorgeous gentleman or attractive lady. However, following the popularity of the Gerald Genta–designed Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet, Patek felt compelled to go beyond and develop their steel sporting piece.

When the Nautilus, which was modeled after a Submariner, was first released in 1976, it was touted as a wristwatch that could be worn with both a dining outfit and a swimming costume. It was intriguing to determine how it would turn out because it was among the costly steel sporty timepieces at the time of its inception.

The history of Mr. Genta and Patek Philippe gained yet another significant triumph. Since then, they have produced a ton of versions using various materials, dial colors, and designs. With projecting “ears” on every side of the casing and an 8-sided, curled bezel, they all share the appearance of a porthole. The dial also has an interesting function because the majority of them have horizontal engraved bars that seem like tapestries. It is undeniably swiftly rising to the top of a broad audience’s list of coveted models, and for a good reason.

This 1982 Nautilus is precisely how Genta intended it to be. It has the initial 40mm casing size and represents the first mention in the chronology of the Nautilus. Consequently, it has the moniker “Jumbo”! Nevertheless, the wristwatch wears gracefully on the wrist owing to its slim case. Since this watch is a yellow-gold/steel hybrid, it makes it even more unique. Also, this ground-breaking piece boasts a yellow gold champagne dial as well as an automatic self-winding caliber 28-255 movement featuring 36 jewels.

In addition, Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus boasts a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and an integrated 18k yellow gold and stainless steel connect bracelet featuring a foldable deployment clasp. The casing rear is solidly screwed down, and the wound crown has a partially crown shield. The flattened octagonal bezel, covered lugs, bracelet, and 32mm by 35mm solid two-body cushioned casing are brushed.

The golden dial features an affixed minute/second display surrounding a border of gold dots, an engraved horizontal strip, and golden baton hourly markings with illuminated inlays. A date window display is located at the 3 o’clock location, and the watch has gold baton indexes and a sweeping middle seconds display. Also, it’s 7mm in thickness case, dial, and movement are all marked, and it is completely waterproof up to 120 meters or 390 ft.

Price market: $500,000.00 USD

Watch reference: 3700/11J

Photo: Getty Images