Patek Philippe’s iconic Nautilus wristwatch was introduced in 1976, and has become a masterpiece in the horological world. The model was one of the first luxury stainless steel sports models available, and appreciated for its masculine appeal with sporty appearance that could be worn outdoors or in the boardroom.

Designed by famed horologist Gerald Genta, the “Nautilus” took its inspiration from the sea, with a design reminiscent of transatlantic ocean liners’ portholes and named after Captain Nemo’s submarine “Nautilus”, which explored the ocean depths in Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Released in 1976, the reference 3700/1 was in production until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, while its successor the reference 3700/11 launched in 1980 with tapered steel bracelet, and remained in production until 1990. The “Nautilus” was a ground-breaking wristwatch for Patek Philippe, which ushered in a new dimension to the luxury world of watchmaking, a welcome alternative for smaller gentlemen’s dress timepieces fitted on leather straps. The Nautilus reference 3700 would become a major product line for Patek Philippe, and today is one of the most desirable watches in haute horlogerie.

This complete example from 1979, not only represents one of the most iconic wristwatches available today, but it is in wonderful original condition, accompanied by its original certificate of guarantee and its highly coveted cork presentation box. The well-preserved “Type 2” dial features a small accent mark to the second “E”, with the “K” feet converging on the same point, and the bottom of the “V” is truncated. The Nautilus sought to bring a modern twist to haute horology, and the present lot will appeal to the discerning collector seeking a complete, well-preserved example of this design masterpiece.