Entrepreneur Nusret Gökçe Saltbae spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

Nusret Gökçe, the Turkish chef and global hospitality entrepreneur who built a restaurant empire on theatrical meat-slicing, was recently spotted wearing a timepiece that demands attention even by his own flamboyant standards: the Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 3800/108 in 18K white gold, factory-set with 353 diamonds and three baguette-cut emerald hour markers.

The Nautilus 3800 was introduced in 1981 as a smaller, slimmer evolution of Gerald Genta's original Ref. 3700 — the watch that launched the luxury sports category in 1976. The 3800 measures 37mm in diameter and houses Calibre 335 SC, a manually finished automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve. Its integrated bracelet and distinctive porthole-inspired case remain among the most recognizable silhouettes in horological history. The Ref. 3800/108 designation specifically identifies the white gold case paired with a factory diamond and gem-set configuration — executed at Patek Philippe's own workshops in Geneva, not modified post-sale. That point is critical. Patek's in-house stone-setting carries a provenance and quality standard that no third-party jeweller can replicate on paper.

From a collector standpoint, gem-set Nautilus references from the 3800 generation occupy a genuinely scarce corner of the market. They were produced in limited numbers for a clientele that wanted haute joaillerie integrated into a serious sports watch. The combination of 353 round brilliant diamonds with baguette emeralds — used as hour markers rather than mere decoration — elevates this piece into dual-category territory: both vintage Patek sports watch and certified Patek jewellery watch. Serious collectors treat factory gem-set vintage Patek references as near-untouchable, particularly in white gold.

Salt Bae's watch choices have always reflected his persona: loud, confident, and expensive without apology. He has been photographed in Rolex, AP, and high-jewellery pieces across multiple occasions. The Nautilus 3800/108 fits neatly into that pattern while showing a more specific — and arguably more sophisticated — eye for horological rarity.

At an estimated market value of approximately $420,000, this Nautilus sits well above standard vintage 3800 pricing, which typically runs between $30,000 and $80,000 depending on condition and metal. The factory gem-set premium is substantial and justified. For a watch of this specification to surface on a public wrist is a sighting worth noting.