An imitation Patek Philippe 3800 is a replica of the Nautilus mid-size watch. The original reference 3800 has a 37.5mm case. It uses an automatic movement. Imitations differ in case size, movement, and finish. Most imitations cost $200 to $600.
fake patek philippe 3800 edition
Original Patek Philippe 3800 Specs
The Patek Philippe 3800 is part of the Nautilus line. Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus in 1976. The 3800 came later, in 1981. Production ended in 2006. The case is stainless steel. It measures 37.5mm in diameter and 7.5mm thick. The movement is Caliber 335 SC. It has 30 jewels and a 48-hour power reserve. The bracelet is integrated. The dial has horizontal grooves. The date sits at 3 o'clock. Water resistance is 120 meters.
Common Imitation Traits
Imitations of the 3800 often have a 40mm case. That is 2.5mm larger than the original. The movement is a Miyota 9015 or a Chinese clone. These movements have 24 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve. The bracelet uses folded steel links. The original uses solid links. The dial grooves are shallower. The date font is different. The crown is often too large or too small.
Case and Bracelet
Original case has a brushed finish on the sides and a polished bezel. Imitations may have uneven brushing. The bracelet on the original has a double-fold clasp. Imitations use a single-fold clasp. The end links on the original fit tight. Imitations have gaps.
How to Spot a Fake Patek Philippe 3800 Model
Movement Differences
Caliber 335 SC beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Miyota 9015 also beats at 28,800. But the finishing differs. The original has Geneva stripes and a gold rotor. Imitations have plain finishes.
Dial and Hands
The original dial is blue or black. It has a grained texture. The hands are baton style with luminous fill. Imitations use flat paint. The lume on imitations glows for 2 hours. The original glows for 6 hours.
Price Range
An original Patek Philippe 3800 costs $25,000 to $45,000. Imitations cost $200 to $600. The price depends on the movement and the finish. A $600 imitation may have a sapphire crystal and a better bracelet. A $200 imitation has mineral glass and a stamped clasp.
How to Identify an Imitation
- Check the case size. A 40mm case is not original.
- Look at the movement. A Miyota 9015 is not original.
- Inspect the bracelet. Folded links are a sign.
- Check the date font. The original uses a specific font.
- Look at the case back. The original has a sapphire display back. Some imitations have a solid back.
Note: No imitation matches the original in materials or workmanship. The original uses 18k gold rotor and a steel case. Imitations use base metals and plating.