Watch Paparazzi

Rapper ASAP Rocky spotted wearing Patek Philippe

A$AP Rocky made his appearance at Los Angeles Superior Court on February 19, 2025, following his acquittal on all firearm assault charges related to a curbside altercation with former associate A$AP Relli. The rapper wore a vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 in 18-karat yellow gold—a watch that has emerged as a cornerstone of high-end hip-hop aesthetics and collector culture.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 debuted in 1976 as Gérald Genta's revolutionary response to the integrated sports watch category. The reference houses the in-house Caliber 28-255 SC, an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve, housed within a distinctive octagonal case measuring 42 mm across and 8.6 mm thick. The yellow gold case carries 100 meters of water resistance—modest by diving standards but sufficient for daily wear. The dial itself features the ribbed (or "bark") texture characteristic of early production, rendered in deep blue, with applied Dauphine-style hands and printed indices marking the hours. The integrated Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet, also in matching 18k yellow gold, features articulated links and a fold-over clasp, creating a seamless visual continuum from case to wrist.

The original Ref. 3700/1 production run spanned 1976 through the mid-1980s, making early examples nearly five decades old. The yellow gold variant commands particular collector attention, as stainless steel versions historically dominated output. The blue baton dial—seen on A$AP Rocky's example—is a sought-after dial configuration, especially when paired with original Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet links and clasp. Condition becomes paramount; examples with original patina on dial and hands trade at premiums, while dial replacements diminish value considerably.

A$AP Rocky has established himself as a watch collector with refined taste, gravitating toward vintage Patek Philippe and Rolex sports models. The vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 choice reflects both heritage and exclusivity—a counterpoint to contemporary Nautilus models that command four-year waitlists at authorized dealers. His courtroom appearance underscores how vintage Nautilus references function as cultural markers within contemporary hip-hop.

Grey-market pricing for well-preserved examples of the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 in 18k yellow gold currently hovers between $80,000 and $95,000 USD, depending on dial condition, bracelet originality, and service history. A$AP Rocky's example, based on photographic evidence, appears to command the upper range. Original retail pricing for the Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 stood near $12,000 at launch; today's secondary market valuations reflect sustained collector demand and the scarcity of yellow gold variants in excellent condition.