16
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3700
Nautilus "Jumbo"
An iconic, early and very well preserved stainless steel automatic wristwatch with center seconds, date, integrated bracelet and "tropical" dial
Full-Cataloguing
- The reference 3700 is an iconic model and design
- Features a very rare harmonious "tropical" dial
The result of a collaboration between Patek Philippe and designer Gérald Genta in 1976, 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 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.
Its production is officially divided by Patek Philippe themselves into two distinct series, with different reference numbers. The earliest specimens, such as the present one, belong to reference 3700/1 and present a larger, more robust bracelet tapering to 16 mm. Later examples (from the early 1980s onward) are dubbed 3700/11 and feature a 14 mm tapering.
The present example stands out not only thanks to its state of preservation but also due to the attractive "tropical" dial that has evolved from its original bluish tint to a lovely copper tone.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.