Brad Pitt, the renowned actor and watch enthusiast, recently took the opportunity to showcase a stunning piece from his personal collection during his GQ cover shoot. Sharing the spotlight with fellow Hollywood icon George Clooney, Pitt sported a vintage yellow-gold Patek Philippe Nautilus, specifically the ref. 3800/1J—a timepiece that reflects both his impeccable taste and his deep appreciation for horology.
Pitt’s watch collection has long been admired by aficionados, and his choice for the GQ cover adds another layer to his reputation as a true “watch guy.” The Patek Philippe Nautilus he chose to wear, introduced by the brand in 1981, is a smaller variant of the original and iconic ref. 3700, often referred to as the “Jumbo.” The Nautilus, which debuted in 1976, was designed by the legendary Swiss watch designer Gérald Genta, who had previously created the groundbreaking Royal Oak for Audemars Piguet.
The Nautilus and Royal Oak share some common features, including an integrated bracelet and an ultra-thin, automatic movement, but the Nautilus stands apart with its unique design inspired by a ship’s porthole. The case’s rounded octagon is secured by “ears” on either side, reminiscent of a porthole window’s hinges. The dial, with its signature horizontal grooves, further differentiates the Nautilus from its rival.
The ref. 3800, which Pitt wore, was introduced to cater to those seeking a slightly more compact version of the original 42mm “Jumbo” Nautilus. This model, featuring a central seconds hand powered by the in-house automatic Calibre 335 SC, became a staple in the Nautilus collection. Pitt’s specific model, the ref. 3800/1J, comes in a yellow gold case and bracelet, with a matching gold dial. Despite being more modestly sized and priced than its predecessor, this vintage piece still commands a significant value, with prices starting around $75,000 on the secondary market.
This isn’t the first time Pitt has been spotted with a remarkable Patek Philippe. Earlier this year, he was seen wearing a ref. 2526, another vintage gem with a white enamel dial. This model, produced between 1953 and 1960, is highly coveted among collectors, with only around 3,000 examples ever made. The actor even paired it with an unusual bracelet that left even Patek Philippe experts, like John Reardon, intrigued.
Brad Pitt’s latest public appearance with the Patek Philippe Nautilus further solidifies his standing not just as a Hollywood star, but as a dedicated watch collector who knows how to pick the most timeless and elegant pieces for every occasion.
