Watch Paparazzi

Scientist Antonino Zichichi spotted wearing Patek Philippe

Antonino Zichichi, one of Italy's most distinguished theoretical physicists and a longtime president of the World Federation of Scientists, was photographed wearing what appears to be a Patek Philippe Nautilus in white gold — specifically, the highly sought-after reference 3711/1G. For a man who has spent decades probing the fundamental structure of matter, the choice of one of horology's most architecturally refined and technically rigorous sports watches feels quietly appropriate.

Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus 3711/1G in 2004 as a deliberate return to the original 'Jumbo' proportions first established by Gérald Genta's iconic 1976 design. At 42mm, the 3711 restored the case diameter of the founding reference 3700, which had been discontinued in the early 1990s. The white gold execution — the only metal offered on the 3711 — gave the Nautilus a cooler, more formal register compared to the yellow gold variants of earlier generations. The integrated bracelet, horizontal embossed dial, and porthole-style case with its distinctive rounded octagonal bezel and ear-lugs all remained faithful to Genta's blueprint. Powering the watch is the Patek Philippe calibre 315 SC, a self-winding movement with a 38-hour power reserve, operating at 21,600 vph, and offering hours, minutes, seconds, and date.

The 3711/1G remained in production for approximately two years before being discontinued, making it among the shortest-production Nautilus references of the modern era. That brevity, combined with the premium of white gold and the restored Jumbo sizing, has cemented its status as a serious collector's piece. It effectively bridged the gap between the original Jumbo era and the later reference 5711 — which would go on to become arguably the most coveted steel sports watch of the 21st century before its own discontinuation in 2021.

Zichichi, a frequent presence at international scientific forums and a recipient of numerous academic honours, is known to appreciate craftsmanship across disciplines. Wearing the Patek Philippe Nautilus 3711/1G signals not merely wealth, but a collector's awareness — this is not a watch one stumbles into casually.

On the secondary market, the Nautilus 3711/1G commands substantial premiums. White gold Nautilus references of this vintage and rarity consistently trade well above original retail, with auction results and grey-market platforms placing current valuations in the $80,000–$120,000 range depending on condition, box, and papers. For collectors tracking the white gold Nautilus segment, a 3711/1G on the wrist of a figure like Zichichi is a notable sighting.