The result of a collaboration between Patek Philippe and designer Gérald Genta, the Nautilus' unique appearance was inspired by maritime portholes and named for Captain Nemo's submarine, the Nautilus, in Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Much as the fictional nautical vessel was described as "a masterpiece containing masterpieces," so does the Nautilus wristwatch possess a numerous variety of artistic cues. The reference 3700/1 embodies every aspect of Patek Philippe's avant-garde design philosophy of the 1970s, from the bold yet elegant curves, to the contrasting finish of the case, and even the delicate grooves of the dial culminating in a sublimely robust and elegant wristwatch.

Patek Philippe produced two versions of the Nautilus ref. 3700 in steel: 3700/1, from 1976 to approximately 1981, featuring a straight bracelet (the present lot), and reference 3700/11, [see lot 129 for a two-tone example], in production from 1981 to 1990, with a tapered steel bracelet.

The present fresh-to-market Nautilus is well-preserved and is a highly coveted timepiece in its own right, but it also features a very rare double-signed dial with both the brand name and retailer Gübelin, the famed Swiss jeweler founded in 1854. It is one of just a handful of reference 3700/1 examples to appear on the market to include the name of this prestigious retailer on the dial.